SA marks African World Heritage Day with focus on preservation and education
SANParks also acknowledged the day, stating that it remained committed to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.
Communities and institutions across the country joined the continent in marking African World Heritage Day today, May 5, an annual observance dedicated to recognising and safeguarding Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015 and is observed each year to highlight the value and vulnerability of heritage across Africa.
According to UNESCO, the continent is home to a significant number of World Heritage Sites, including 98 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, of which 54 are cultural, 39 are natural, and 5 are mixed. In South Africa, these include Robben Island, the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, and the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains.
UNESCO stated that African World Heritage Day serves not only to celebrate heritage but to encourage member states and communities to engage in sustainable conservation efforts. “Africa’s heritage is vital to its identity and development. Preserving it is essential for current and future generations,” the organisation said in its official release for the 2024 observance.
This year’s theme, “Youth, Entrepreneurship and Heritage Sustainability,” placed emphasis on youth involvement in heritage protection. UNESCO noted that many of the continent’s heritage sites are threatened by conflict, urbanisation, climate change, and inadequate funding. The agency called for stronger collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector to ensure effective preservation.
In Cape Town, local heritage NGOs held educational workshops with school groups, focusing on the legacy of District Six and the role of oral history in community memory. In Limpopo, heritage officials from the provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture hosted a panel discussion on the preservation of archaeological sites such as Mapungubwe and Thulamela.
The South African National Parks (SANParks) also acknowledged the day, stating that it remained committed to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage. “Many of our protected areas are internationally recognised not only for their biodiversity but for their cultural significance. We remain dedicated to protecting these spaces for future generations,” SANParks said in a statement.
African World Heritage Day is not a public holiday, but it has grown in significance over the years as efforts to decolonise heritage narratives and include community voices have intensified. Advocacy groups noted that while the recognition of African heritage has increased, more work is needed to integrate local custodianship into official conservation efforts.
UNESCO’s official webpage provided resources, including a youth-focused webinar series and a downloadable toolkit for heritage education. The agency encouraged schools, universities, and community organisations to participate actively in promoting awareness and engagement.
For more information about African World Heritage Day and access to educational materials, the public can visit www.unesco.org/en/days/african-world-heritage.
