The Portfolio Committee of Arts and Culture welcomes the establishment of the National Heritage Monument, a project under the custodianship of the Department of Arts and Culture to be located in the City of Tshwane.
The committee appreciates the initiative in its efforts to tell a historical story of South Africa for the current generation of South African children as well as future generations. “This project highlights the importance of the preservation of our heritage and its value in teaching us our history, more so because it is important to know where we as a nation come from if we are to carve a prosperous future for our future generations,” said the Ms Thandile Sunduza, Chairperson of the Committee.
The project, which has a blend of elements such arts, tourism and education, has potential to play major role in social cohesion initiatives currently underway. The monumental parade titled “Long march to freedom” which will consists of more than 400 life size sculptural bronze representations of key South Africans who in their different ways contributed to what South Africa is today, will hopefully go a long way in building a sense of pride in all South Africans.
“I am happy with the concept, especially with the fact that it captures all aspects of our history and not only about the struggle against apartheid. It goes far back as the first Khoi/San resistance and this captures the soul of the country,” Ms Sunduza emphasised.
The committee further appreciates the economic spin-offs that are envisaged as a direct result of the infrastructure investment to be made on the site. The committee is of the view that the job opportunities created during the development and operational phase of the project will go a long way in fighting socio economic problems that South Africa is facing.
“The committee appreciates the fact that a formal arts and craft market will be established to expose products manufactures by the community to tourists visiting the site,” Ms Sunduza said.
The committee encourages South Africans to visit the site on completion of development as it is only through knowledge of our history that South Africa can truly achieve its social cohesion initiatives.
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