13 September 2006
The Gauteng Provincial Government in partnership with the West Rand District
Municipality and the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site management
authority will host the provincial Heritage Day celebrations at Maropeng, the
world-class visitor centre for The Cradle of Humankind world heritage site.
This is the first time that Heritage Day will be hosted by the visitors'
centre with its exhibition on the origins and evolution of mankind. The
Heritage Day celebrations are aimed at recognising and celebrating our rich
cultural diversity. This year's theme will be 'Celebrating our music, Our
Heritage, from Kwela to Kwaito'.
"South Africa has a wealth of musical tradition. During the long struggle
for political freedom music served as a powerful tool for the voice of South
African people to be heard across the world. Music became a powerful statement
of identity and today South Africa has a rich tradition of music that expands
from Kwela to Kwaito," said the Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and
Recreation Barbara Creecy.
This family fun day will be filled with a range of activities ranging from
indigenous games, a kiddies' corner and cultural programmes which will include
top South African musicians.
The event will also be preceded by a week-long craft exhibition at Maropeng
featuring popular South African craft exhibitors. Opened by President Mbeki in
December 2005, Maropeng tells the story of our origins and ancestry better than
any other place in the world. There could be no better place to celebrate our
proud heritage!
Gauteng Premier Mbazima Shilowa will deliver a keynote address to the
public. Other high profile dignitaries including MECs, Executive Mayors of West
Rand District Municipality and Mogale District Metropolitan Municipality will
attend.
About 10 000 people from around Gauteng are expected at the celebrations.
Maropeng's doors will be open free of charge to the public on Heritage Day.
For more information contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: (011) 355 7525
E-mail: nomazwen@gpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng
Provincial Government
13 September 2006
Source: SAPA
