Political parties weigh in on Heritage Day’s meaning and what it currently resembles in SA

JOHANNESBURG - Political parties have weighed in on the meaning of Heritage Day and what it resembles in the country today.

Initially, the holiday was commemorated 28 years ago to celebrate diversity in post-apartheid South Africa.

ActionSA said while Heritage Day is a day to celebrate, it is also a day to reflect on the kind of future we are building for the country’s children, women and youth.

The party said we cannot claim to honour our heritage and continue to turn a blind eye to the violence and fear experienced by women and children.

It said the promise of freedom meant nothing if it did not include access to quality education.

At the same time, the Freedom Front (FF) Plus said the African National Congress (ANC) government’s effort to dress a social construct for South Africa in a cloak of inclusivity failed to recognise heritage.

It said heritage should be about nation-building and social cohesion.