Celebrate our Diversity 2021
Cultural diversity is synonymous with multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is defined by the Encyclopaedia Britannica as, “the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of their differences within a dominant political culture.”
The importance of cultural diversity can be interpreted on the basis of these related actions:
Recognizing that there are many cultures that exist
Respecting each other’s differences
Acknowledging that all cultural expressions are valid
Valuing what cultures must bring to the table
Empowering diverse groups to contribute
Celebrating differences, not just tolerating them
South Africa: The Rainbow Nation
In South Africa, there is no single heritage or culture, and it is very difficult to define the “South African People” based on a set of distinct characteristics or identities. The cultures, languages and ethnic origins of South African people are exceptionally diverse and dynamic. This is what makes South Africa such an interesting and unique place.
South Africa has been famously referred to as the rainbow nation because it is made up of so many diverse cultures and religions. All united by calling South Africa home, and therefore their lives all contribute to the country’s heritage, identity and culture. Understanding that South Africa is composed of all these various influences is essential in understanding the country.
Heritage Day
24 September recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of our nation. South Africans celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.
Living heritage is the foundation of all communities and an essential source of identity and continuity. Aspects of living heritage include cultural tradition, oral history, performance, ritual, popular memory, skills and techniques, indigenous knowledge system and the holistic approach to nature, society and social relationships. In South Africa the term “intangible cultural heritage” is used interchangeably with the term “living heritage”.
Living heritage plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace and economic development. In every community there are living human treasures who possess a high degree of knowledge, skills and history pertaining to different aspects of diverse living heritage. It is therefore important for South Africans to reclaim, restore and preserve these various aspects of living heritage to accelerate the use of living heritage to address challenges communities are facing today.
