Issued by: The Council of Culture Ministers
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DR BS NGUBANE AND THE COUNCIL OF CULTURE MINISTERS
ROBBEN ISLAND: 26 MARCH 1996
It was announced today on Robben Island by the Council of Culture Ministers that Heritage Day, on 24 September, will mark the centenary of the composition of Nkosi Sikilele I Afrika. The national monuments Council (NMC) has undertaken to erect a monument at the grave of the composer of the national anthem, the late Enoch Sontonga. This grave was recently identified in Braamfontein Cemetery in Johannesburg.
The Council of Culture Ministers, (Consisting of the Minister and Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and the MEC's responsible for culture in the provinces) today held an historic meeting on Robben Island. By so doing the Council affirmed the importance of Robben Island as a national heritage site. Minister Ngubane made special mention of the significance of the venue in the Council planning the upcoming Freedom Day and Heritage Day Celebrations.
The meeting also received the working draft of the White Paper on Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. The White Paper will be presented to Cabinet during late April and it is intended to be published on 8 May 1996.
After the meeting the Ministers then toured the facilities on the island.