All roads lead to KwaZulu-Natal for the 2023 National Heritage Day celebration and the Indigenous Games Festival
As the nation continues to celebrate the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage during Heritage Month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the celebrations and deliver the keynote address at the 2023 National Heritage Day Celebration on Sunday, 24 September 2023 at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, eThekwini District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. This year’s Heritage Day is celebrated under the theme’, “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa”.
As part of the National Heritage Day programme, the celebration will also mark the official opening ceremony of the 17th National Indigenous Games Festival (IGF) through a carnival parade.
Hosted by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government, this year’s celebrations put a spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage which incorporates African, Asian, and European cultures and traditions. The 2023 Heritage Month celebration also emphasizes a strong focus on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and its immense contribution to our socio-economic, health and scientific well-being of all South Africans. “Our rich and diverse cultures should unite us as a nation to promote and preserve our unique heritage by safeguarding it as a valuable resource for current and future generations”, stated Minister Zizi Kodwa.
As a continuation of the Heritage Month celebration, the 17th edition of the National Indigenous Games Festival will provide a medley of cultural festivities including a parade of the country’s diverse cultures, and action-packed Indigenous Games across seven (7) codes such as, Intonga, Morabaraba/Mulabalaba, Dibeke, Diketo, Kgati, Drie-Stoekies, Ncuva, Kho-kho, and Jukskei from the 24th – 28th of September at Hoy Park in Durban. Hosted annually in the month of September, the festival is aimed at reviving and celebrating the country’s rich history, heritage, and culture as well as promoting social cohesion and nation building. The revival of Indigenous Games in South Africa evolved as a response to the national call to embrace an African Renaissance. The National Indigenous Games Festival therefore allows citizens to celebrate the country’s unique cultural heritage through sport. Over 784 athletes across all provinces will compete for various honours during the weeklong programme.
“Unless and until, we as Africans start documenting our stories and ways of life, we will continue to lament the disappearance of our indigenous knowledge systems, let us therefore continue to celebrate our rich and unique cultures”, concluded the Minister Kodwa.
Media enquiries:
Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President
Cell: 081 307 9233
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: zimasav@dsac.gov.za
Cell: 072 172 8925
Mr Litha Mpondwana, Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: LithaM@dsac.gov.za
Cell: 064 802 3003
