Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says it is imperative for the country's citizens to learn about their history.
Speaking at the Freedom Park Corporate Nexus Cocktail held at the Freedom Park on Friday, Motlanthe said it is also imperative to use education as a tool to understand our history.
He said institutes such as the Freedom Park are important when it comes to teaching the country's history.
"Conceptually and symbolically, the Freedom Park is of immeasurable historical value to the South African humanity to the extent that it is a statement of reconciliation, reconstruction and rebirth," he said.
"We also know that over the years humanity evolved cultural forms expressing their understanding of their place in the universe," Motlanthe said.
He said for its side, the Freedom Park opens space for people to reflect on their past, the better to understand their future and how to forge a way ahead to that future.
"One of its many benefits as an institution preserving our cultural heritage is laying the basis for building a better future," he said.
He said the Freedom Park is truly a unique monument about the evolution of South Africa and to humanity in general.
He said it helps to tell the story of human origin using scientific enquiry to shape a new consciousness about the origin and survival of humankind.
Also speaking at the same event was Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile who said government is finding innovative ways to attract more people to Freedom Park.
"As government we will continue building more museums, and it is important for people to know about them," he said.
He urged the private sector to partner with government in ensuring that more museums are built.
The event was attended by business people and senior government officials from various government departments.
Chairperson of the Freedom Park, Shirley Mabusela, said Freedom Park is a place where cultural and political history is reserved.
"It helps to narrate the country's history," she said.
Motlanthe added that the park seeks to address gaps, distortions and omissions from South African history in a new perspective that challenges orthodox narratives through a re-interpretation of the country's existing heritage sites.
