Pretoria – Government has encouraged South Africans to embrace the country’s historical inheritance, languages, diverse cultures, sacred sites, indigenous food and traditional art forms, during Heritage Month in September.
“During September, it is important to remind South Africans to embrace our diversity and play a role in creating a united nation with a common identity,” said Minister of Communications, Faith Muthambi on Friday.
South Africa will on 24 September 2014 celebrate Heritage Day in Mahikeng, in the North West, under the theme: “Celebrate 20 Years of Democracy: Tell Your Story that Moves South Africa Forward”.
The theme encourages all citizens to share their experiences and talk about the journey as a country, from apartheid to freedom and life under democracy.
“Story telling forms part of our rich heritage. We should reinforce it by narrating the historic events which were part of evolution of our country. Adults are encouraged to share memories with children so that the youth can develop knowledge and appreciation of the country’s journey towards freedom,” said the Minister.
Government has launched a campaign to encourage South Africans from all walks of life to share their personal stories on what it was like growing up during apartheid, what changes democracy has brought and their vision for the future.
The Tell Your Story Campaign, initiated by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), forms part of celebrating the 20 years of freedom and democracy.
Minister Muthambi said the Tell Your Story campaign was also an opportunity for South Africans to use any means of expression such as poems, the arts and music to tell their stories.
She said through talking about good and bad experiences, citizens will be able to begin to work towards building a socially cohesive country where they are united.
Throughout the month, government in partnership with various stakeholders in business, civil society, schools and the media will embark on numerous Tell Your Story events.
Among them are the reburial of Nat Nakasa and Moses Kotane. These historical events will provide an opportunity for South Africans to learn about Nakasa and Kotane’s struggle for freedom and circumstances that led them to living in exile and the impact they had on the liberation of the country.
All citizens are encouraged to share their stories on twitter @TellYourStoriesZA using the hashtag #CelebratingSAstories or to send these to electronic@gcis.gov.za for publishing on the website and facebook page. Stories can be written or recorded. – SAnews.gov.za
