Pretoria - The National Heritage Council (NHC) said it was optimistic and looking forward to support from government after yesterday's State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Jacob Zuma.
Sonwabile Mancotywa, the CEO of the NHC, said he was optimistic that the economic programmes of government would benefit the heritage sector.
During his address President Zuma said: "We will ensure a common national approach to the changing of geographic and place names.
"This must provide an opportunity to involve all South Africans in forging an inclusive national identity, to deepen our understanding of our history and heritage."
Mr Mancotywa said the President's reference to the leading official national symbols, the flag and the anthem, "is in itself a call for unity."
"The symbolism of nation building embedded in these symbols is far greater than what it appears. It is unearthing the rich heritage that this country holds."
He said the President's use of different languages in his speech showed his appreciation of language heritage.
"Again the use of vernacular languages starting with Afrikaans, switching to Sesotho and then to his home language, IsiZulu, was exemplary of the appreciation of language heritage.
"The heritage sector is looking forward to the support of government", said Mr Mancotywa.
Mr Mancotywa further said the NHC welcomed the Mandela Day, adding that it will be a celebration of all time, especially for his ubuntu.
According to the NCH, the day will form part of the Ubuntu revival campaign which recognises international figures who are living examples of the values of ubuntu.
The campaign annually calls on communities to refresh their commitment on what they can do to instill this African philosophy in communities.
Mandela Day, which will be celebrated annually on 18 July, on Madiba's birthday, will form part of the heritage and national memory of this country.
On this day, people all over the world, in the workplace, at home and in schools, will be called upon to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something useful within their communities, especially among the less fortunate.
The first democratically elected President of South Africa has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years, beginning in 1942 when he first started to campaign for the human rights of every South African.
According to the foundation, Mr Mandela's life has been an inspiration to the world. To date, the foundation and 46664 campaign has focused mainly on supporting projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa where current needs are greatest, particularly for those infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.
Major international events are planned around Mr Mandela's birthday each year, such as concerts, exhibitions and speeches.
This year, a series of special events will take place in New York involving many of the charity's global ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, music and film.
The 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation together with the New York City Department of Education will also host a group of middle and high school students in South Africa this month.
The students are expected to visit the offices of Mr Mandela to see the work of the foundation as well as to meet South African students in order to develop a student charter that applies Mr Mandela's ideals to their day-to-day lives and local communities.
All money raised from Mandela Day will support the ongoing work of 46664 and the Nelson Mandela charitable organisations.
