Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie launched the 2024 National Heritage Month at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria on Thursday morning.

This year’s Heritage Month theme, “Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom,” focuses on honoring South Africa’s struggle icons through the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Programme. The initiative highlights the sacrifices made by men and women who fought for the country’s liberation.

Living Legends being honored by Minister Gayton McKenzie as part of the program for Heritage Month during the Heritage Launch at Freedom park.

#HeritageMonth2024 #OurHistoryOurStoryOurHeritage #HeritageLaunch2024 #RepatriationAndLiberation pic.twitter.com/E8cl6KJj7f

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) September 5, 2024

In his address, McKenzie emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of these heroes and heroines. “We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for the freedom we enjoy today,” he said.

A key highlight of the month’s activities will be the Homecoming and Repatriation project, which aims to honor the remains of struggle heroes who died in exile. The project will be unpacked in detail by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the National Heritage Council (NHC), the South African Heritage Resource Agency, and the Department of Military Veterans.

#LivingLegends
#HeritageMonth2024 #OurHistoryOurStoryOurHeritage #HeritageLaunch2024 #RepatriationAndLiberation pic.twitter.com/LCpDg61eoE

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) September 5, 2024

McKenzie also outlined upcoming events for Heritage Month, including the national Heritage Day celebration and the Indigenous Games Festival, both designed to promote cultural diversity and unity across the country.

The launch marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, with activities scheduled nationwide.

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