The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe will on Thursday, 24 September deliver a keynote address at the National Heritage Day celebrations in Limpopo province, Ntwampe Sports Grounds, Moroke in Greater Tubatse municipality. The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulama Xingwana, the Premier of the province, Mr Cassel Mathale and other senior government officials.
In order to highlight the role of the craft industry in the socio-economic development of our nation, the 2009 theme for heritage month is: Celebrating South African Craft, Our Heritage. The theme presents us with an opportunity to pay tribute to the crafters who have contributed immensely to the development of South Africa's rich heritage.
As a build up to the national Heritage Day event, on 23 September 2009, Minister Xingwana will host a gala dinner where the department and Old Mutual Foundation will sign a memorandum of understanding whereby crafters will be supported in the form of business training, leadership development, business systems development and market access.
On 24 September 2009, the programme will kick-start with a cleansing ceremony at Tjate Heritage site in Sekhukhune. This ceremony will be followed by the main event at Ntwampe Sports Grounds. Members of the media are invited to the events as follows:
1. Gala dinner
Date: 23 September 2009
Time: 17h30
Venue: The Ranch, Polokwane
18h40: Opening and Welcome by the District Mayor, Mr Mothalane Monakedi
18h50: Public Private Partnerships – CEO, Old Mutual Foundation Mr Andile Ncontsa
19h00: Message of support by the MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture Ms Joyce Mashamba
19h10: Message of support and Introduction of the Keynote Speaker, Premier Mr Cassel Mathale
19h15: Keynote address by Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana
19h25: Signing the MoA – DAC/Old Mutual Foundation
19:40: Pledge by DAC associated institutions – Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile
19h50: Vote of Thanks by Acting Head of Department, Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Meshack Mulaudzi
2. Cleansing ceremony
Deputy President to attend
Date: 24 September 2009
Time: 06h00
Venue: Tjate Heritage Site, Sekhukhune
Draft programme:
06h00: The podium arrives at Tjate Heritage Site
06h05: The podium group is received and briefed by representatives
06h15: The podium group, traditional leaders and traditional healers depart statue
06h20: The traditional leaders and healers take over and perform the cleansing ceremony
07h00: The podium group, traditional leaders and healers depart to the
marquee tent
07h15: Final prayers are made and the podium leads the procession to the main Heritage Day event at Ntwampe Sports Grounds
3. Main Heritage Day event:
Date: 24 September 2009
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ntwampe Sports Grounds, Moroke, Greater Sekhukhune District
Draft formal programme:
09h00: Invited guest to be seated
10h40: Guard of Honour and Military Band displays
10h50: Pre-announcements for the parade
10h55: The Programme Director announces the arrival of the Acting President
11h00: National Salute (Guard of Honour, Present Arms, playing of the National Anthem)
* 21 Round Gun Salute and Salute Flight)
* Air display of Silver Falcons (weather permitting)
* National Salute
* Guard of Honour and Military Band withdraw
11h25: Inter-Faith Prayers and Scripture reading
11h25: Welcome remarks by the Premier of Limpopo: Mr C Mathale
11h30: Introduction of the Acting President by the Minister of Arts and Culture: Ms L Xingwana
11:45: Keynote address by the Acting President, Mr K Motlanthe
12h00: Vote of thanks by the Executive Mayor
Media enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Adele Van der Linde
Cell: 079 696 5625
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
18 September 2009
