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Gauteng champions heritage preservation

Johannesburg – Gauteng will this year pay special attention towards the preservation of heritage sites and building monuments to commemorate those who played a meaningful role towards the liberation of the country.

Climate Heritage

Climate Heritage

Delivering the State of the Province Address in the Gauteng Legislature on Monday, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane outlined bold projects that, through the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, will make the province a leader in sports and culture.

“We will put in place a Heritage Legislative Framework that will guide the protection, preservation and promotion of heritage in the province. We will also develop a monument to celebrate the life of OR Tambo in partnership with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. A Women’s Monument in Tshwane will be developed in conjunction with the national Department of Arts and Culture,” Nomvula announced.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Government, the Premier said the government’s actions today should be such that they not only benefit the present but also honour the past and benefit future generations.

She noted those who marched and were imprisoned, exiled and assassinated so that South Africa could be free, including, heroines of the 1956 Women’s March, the heroes of the Sharpeville Anti-Pass Campaign, the brave Young Lions of the June 1976 uprising, as well as those who negotiated tirelessly for a peaceful settlement culminating in the signing of the world renowned Constitution under the leadership of President Nelson Mandela.

She also singled out KayaFM breakfast show host Bob Mabena for his lone protest in which he campaigned for the respect and proper use of the national flag. Mabena’s protest led to the arrest and brief detention of the radio jock.

“It is disconcerting that at this stage of our democracy, we still have people who want to take us back by arrogantly displaying those symbols we fought to change or continue to show disrespect for all that represents the new nation. We need to help such people, rehabilitate them and make them understand the value of a united nation.

“It is in this context that we empathise with the act of highly-conscientised patriots such as radio personality, Mr Bob Kgomotso Mabena, who expressed disgust at those who insult our national symbols.”

The billboard at the centre of the protest showed three elephants with their backsides covered with the national flag. – Gauteng Provincial Government. – BuaNews