Media Advisory

Heritage holds diverse meanings for millions of South Africans. We are fortunate to embrace 12 official languages in our daily lives which includes the most recent addition of sign language. Our heritage is a rich tapestry woven with culture, traditions, and the enchanting landscapes of our nine provinces, each with its own compelling story to tell. As one journeys through our nation, the electrifying and heartfelt welcomes from the various communities who have made South Africa their home create an indelible experience.

Today, the ANC extends its warm wishes to all South Africans as we come together to celebrate Heritage Day. This day serves as a reminder of our commitment to foster social cohesion, a cornerstone of our mission to unite South Africans from all walks of life. It is a cause that has witnessed numerous milestones and exemplifies the spirit of our nation.

Reflecting on the past, we recall the 1994 Rugby World Cup, a historic moment following the first democratic elections when the Springboks secured their first World Cup trophy. Fast forward to 2023, where Siya Kolisi leads our team in green and gold, aiming to defend the trophy for an unprecedented fourth time and secure a second consecutive victory since November 2019.

Our pride extends to our Banyana Banyana women’s football team who were crowned champions in 2022 and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup earlier this year. Our women in the cricket fraternity have also excelled, proudly flying the South African flag high.

The strength of our nation, as demonstrated over close to 30 years, lies in our ability to come together and support one another. Hence our rallying cry “#UnityInDiversity” as the theme we embrace this National Heritage Day and Month.

In the realm of the arts, South Africa celebrates its recent Grammy award-winning trio Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode, and the globally renowned Wouter Kellerman. They defied the odds in the African contemporary music category, earning an award that South Africa rightfully deserves. This exemplifies the spirit of heritage where South Africans consistently excel with great pride.

A remarkable achievement is how the ANC’s years of struggles for media freedom and diversity has now resulted in a plurality of voices in the radio sector. Ours is today a nation that pride itself with 19 public radio stations, 284 community radio stations and 21 commercial radio stations. On average in a day about 23 South Africans listen to radio in different official languages, including !Ku and Khwe languages.

We are blessed to be a nation of world renowned writers whose pens continues to serve as a mirror which ensures that ours is a globe that can keep looking itself in the mirror. It is the wisdom imparted by many a South African writer that empowers us to keep sharpening our appreciation of how the world works and define the required abilities to change it.

Storytelling has made remarkable strides on South African TV screens, with many enjoying beautifully crafted television series like ‘Shaka ILembe,’ which chronicles the history of King Shaka and the formation of the Zulu Kingdom.

As we celebrate, let us do so with the future in mind, considering the legacy we wish to leave for generations to come.