Government to host major Heritage Day celebration in Munsieville
Besides a wreath-laying ceremony for the Munsieville Four, there will also be a Carnival Street parade led by over 1 300 learners from various Gauteng schools.
The Gauteng provincial government will head to Munsieville in Krugersdorp for a major Heritage Day celebration on September 24.
According to departmental spokesperson Nomazwe Ntlokwana, the celebration will be preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Munsieville/ Sterkfontein Cemetery for four local struggle stalwarts who were hanged by the apartheid government in 1964. Known as the Munsieville Four, Petrus Ntshole, Thomas Molatlhegi, Richard Motsoahae, and Josiah Mocumi were reburied at the cemetery in 2019 to honour and celebrate their legacy and brave fight against apartheid.
The brief ceremony will be followed by a Carnival Street parade through the Liberation Heritage Route of the modest township, led by over 1 300 learners from various Gauteng schools. The learners who are involved in the Arts in Schools programme will take to the street in song, dance, and regalia to kick-start the joyous festivities.
At least four sites of significance can be found on the route including the Exit house; the Old Pentecostal Church where the underground shooting range tunnel was located; the Pentecostal Church at which Mama Winnie Mandela made one of her famous speeches; and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s childhood home among others.
This year’s Heritage Day is held under the theme of Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa. Since 1994 everyone has had the equal right to be what they are and to embrace their heritage, cultures, and languages, where collectively we can ensure our heritage lives on forever.
“The significant lesson in observing and celebrating heritage is the acceptance of other people’s heritage, cultures, and traditions. Gauteng continues to lead in providing a home for the various people of the world and heritage to live, work, and play together in building a united, resilient, and socially cohesive province,” said MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Morakane Mosupyoe.
Meanwhile, with September also being Tourism Month, Ntlokwana said Gauteng is ready to welcome all to its rich heritage footprint across its landscape.
“There are over 245 heritage sites to explore, including the Cradle of Humankind; the National Heritage Monument; the Union Buildings; Museums; and many other establishments.”
Let us know what you will be up to this Heritage Day by emailing us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.
