President Ramaphosa urges everyone to safeguard heritage sites

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the nation to collaborate with the government in safeguarding and preserving historical, cultural, and natural heritage sites, especially within marginalized communities.

Unity is key in preservation

In his weekly newsletter, the president noted that although heritage preservation is a responsibility of the government, all South Africans should work together and support the government in preserving heritage sites for future generations.

He stated that the private sector, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, heritage organisations, and also other stakeholders all have an important role to play in this preservation.

Minority heritage sites under threat

High-profile heritage sites receive donor funding, making preservation easier. These include Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto, Constitution Hill, and also others.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that lesser-known heritage sites, institutions, and initiatives are at greater risk in terms of preservation as they struggle to get support.

‘As a result, many important sites of memory have fallen into disrepair. This is a wasted opportunity, because a number of these sites could stimulate local economies and provide work opportunities to the communities in which they are situated,’ said Ramaphosa.

Some of South Africa’s endangered cultural heritage sites include the Botshabelo Mission Station in Mpumalanga and Fort Hendrina in Limpopo.

A matter of more than just economic benefit

In addition to the benefits for the economy, protecting and conserving historical, cultural, and natural heritage sites is also important for nation-building and national reconciliation.

“By working together as government, business, and society, we can use our national heritage to uplift communities, create opportunities and make us all proud to be South African.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa has an abundance of historical sites across the country that span the pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid, and democratic eras.

Natural heritage sites and tourism

South Africa’s natural heritage sites attract tourists from around the world. This supports local job creation and investment in natural resource infrastructure.

Between January and April 2024, the Table Mountain National Park received 1 176 683 visitors. During the same period, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway received 425 515 visitors.

Other well-known heritage sites visited by many tourists include the Cradle of Humankind, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and the uKhahlamba/Drakensberg Park.

Tourism brings in foreign revenue and stimulates a broad range of industries. Thus, making it advantageous for the economy as a whole of the country.