President Cyril Ramaphosa called on business and other stakeholders to work with government in the cause of heritage preservation, particularly in marginalised communities.

Ramaphosa was writing in his weekly letter to the nation as South Africans prepare to celebrate Heritage Day on Tuesday.

“By working together as government, business and society, we can use our national heritage to uplift communities, create opportunities and make us all proud to be South African,” he explained.

He highlighted that South Africa is perfectly placed to use its rich cultural and natural heritage to promote economic growth.

He said South Africa is home to no less than eight world heritage sites proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, including Robben Island, the Mapungubwe Heritage Site and the Cradle of Humankind, as well as several important ecosystems such as the Cape Floral Kingdom and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Ramaphosa pointed out that while heritage preservation is a responsibility of government, the private sector, corporate sponsors, philanthropies, heritage organisations and other stakeholders also have an important role to play in ensuring these legacies are safeguarded for future generations.

He explained that private-sector support for heritage preservation is uneven.

“…while some high-profile heritage sites like Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto, Constitution Hill and others receive donor funding, other less prominent institutions, events and initiatives struggle to obtain support,” he said.

He highlighted that as a result many important sites of memory have fallen into disrepair, noting that this is a wasted opportunity, because a number of these sites could stimulate local economies and provide work opportunities to the communities in which they are situated.

Protecting and conserving historical, cultural and natural heritage sites is also vitally important for nation-building and national reconciliation, Ramaphosa stated.

He explained that as one of the world’s most mega biodiverse countries, South Africa’s natural heritage attracted tourists from around the world, supporting local job creation and investment in natural resource infrastructure.

“By way of example, in December 2023 alone, there were more than 400 000 visitors to sites like the Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island. Coupled with this is an abundance of historical sites across the country that span the pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and democratic eras,” he said.

Ramaphosa noted that to preserve the country’s rich heritage, government needs to do more to attract young South Africans to careers and opportunities in the sector.

He explained that through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Heritage Council and the National Arts Council unemployed young people have been provided with work opportunities in film and digital media production, cultural project management, storytelling, language preservation and as museum guides. 

However, he said there is also other laudable work being done in the sector, noting how some of the country’s largest banks have supported government’s rhino conservation efforts.

South African corporates have also lent their support to preserving South Africa’s musical and arts heritage, he added.