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Our Heritage. Our pride

Every year, the month of September marks an important time in South Africa's
calendar. It is our Heritage Month. This is the time when South Africans
unites in celebration of all the values, traditions, cultural practices and
expressions that make us uniquely and proudly South African.

After the first democratic elections in 1994, our country deliberately
sought to move away from all that which divided and created a wedge among
common citizens. Instead we set out to celebrate our diversity, firm in our
belief that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.

That is why even the Supreme Law of the Republic, the Constitution enjoins
all of us to heal the divisions of the past at the same time as we establish
a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human
rights.
In particular, the Constitution remains such a source of unity that none
dare challenge its guidance, as we together seek to create a national
democratic society based on the acceptance that the interests we share as
South Africans far outweigh the differences or forces that seek to drive us
apart.

At the 52nd National Conference of the African National Congress in December
2007, among other things, we reaffirmed our belief that arts and culture is
a cornerstone of any national democratic society and a fundamental pillar in
the transformation of our society.

As has been the tradition, Heritage Month therefore presents a unique
opportunity to all South Africans to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
The African National Congress is proud and privileged to lead a country that
has a rich and diverse, sometimes intangible cultural heritage such as
cultural expressions, oral traditions, craftsmanship, social practices,
rituals and festive events. No culture is lesser or superior than the other.

In particular this year, South Africa celebrates the rich heritage found in
its craft. South Africa's craft industry produces a wide range of craft
products across different style and genre, and it holds high prospect for
rural development, one of the priority areas for the current administration.

We know that traditional cultural expressions such as the design and
production of crafts are handed down from one generation to another either
orally or by imitation and is constantly evolving, developing and being
recreated within the community. These expressions reflect communities'
cultural and social identity and are created for commercial, religious and
cultural purposes. Manifestations of traditional cultural expressions
include basket weaving, crafts, instrumental music, songs, and pottery.

South Africa is home to a unique and diverse crafts industry. Crafters have
over the years produced a vibrant crafts legacy by using natural resources
and recycled products such as plastic bags, paper, card boxes and wires
among others from their communities. Although the crafts industry has
gradually moved from being just a mere expression of individuals skills to
entrepreneurship, practitioners still lack the protection from exploitation.
The industry does not provide for equitable benefits of profits as well as
participation in the crafts economy or market. Together we must change that.

In recognition of the value created by this (crafts) segment of our economy,
I am certain that those of us in goverment will do our bit to promote our
heritage in line with this year's theme of Celebrating South African Craft,
Our Heritage. We must not miss this opportunity to highlight the
socio-economic value of the crafts industry and encouarage further
developement and investment in it.

The highlight of this month has to be the National Heritage Day celebrations
on 24 September, which will be held at the Ntwampe Sports Ground, in Moroke,
Greater Tubatse Municipality, in the Limpopo Province. The Deputy President
of the ANC and of the Republic, Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe will address the
nation on the day.
Part of the heritage of living among diverse groups of people, with equally
diverse issues and expressions, is the absolute responsibility to respect
those who do not necessarily share one's views, culture or beliefs.

Recent disturbing events bring this point sharply into focus. This includes
the recent violent and unfortunate confrontation between members of the SAPS
and members of the SA National Defence Force near a national key point and
seat of government, the Union Buildings. Totally unacceptable scenes of
violent confrontation also greeted the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit
system in Johannesburg, with several reported cases of human injury and
damage to property. This cannot be how we wish to solve problems. This
cannot be how we wish to voice our displeasure at anything that government
is doing, especially since we emphasise that we want to build an accessible,
responsive and interactive government.

It just cannot be that a public transport system aimed at improving the
lives of our people has to be guarded because some of our compatriots are
unhappy about it and want to take out their anger on commuters.

The ANC government bears the responsibility of protecting all people within
its borders as well as state assets and property. Lawlessness and anarchy
will not be tolerated from any segment of our society, regardless of the
grievances.

In this Heritage Month, we should spend some time to reflect on our heritage
and what we want to bequeath to generations to come. It must be a South
Africa where all citizens respect one another and fellow beings, and where
while celebrating freedom, we all know what is permissible and not in a
democratic and free society.

Let us celebrate South African Craft, Our Heritage!

Working together we can do more!

Happy Heritage Month!

J Zuma