Acting Speaker, the ANC would like to thank the South African government for ensuring that the month of September is set aside as a month to celebrate our heritage, and also for ensuring that all diverse cultures take part in the whole initiative.
The ANC will be joining hands, together with the Department of Arts and Culture and other stakeholders, in highlighting heritage month in September. The launch will take place in Kwalanga, in the Eastern Cape, on 8 September. National Heritage Day will be held on 24 September in Mangaung, in the Free State province.
This year the focus theme will be on celebrating South African poetry, with a special emphasis on indigenous languages. As the ANC we acknowledge the importance of heritage in this democratic South Africa, because heritage is what we receive from the past, and it shapes our present identity, and provides insight into our future.
It is for this reason that the present government supports efforts to encourage the promotion and support of all cultural activities that celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of all South Africans. South Africa is proud to have poets like Mazisi Kunene, Lebo Mashile, Prof Willie Kgotsitsile, Don Matera and others.
Our indigenous languages are crucial for this democracy. They should be regarded as our heritage since they are a resource to the nation, and carry the notion of instrumental use of languages. Thank you. [Applause.]