This year has been declared as the “Year of OR Tambo”. Tambo our Moses, who took our liberation movement to exile, kept it intact and delivered it to Madiba, our Aaron and King Solomon of our time. OR Tambo had to manage the morale of the cadres in exile while giving hope and mobilizing civil society inside the country. He was described as:

·      .  the revolutionary leader and mobiliser of people across all spectrums

·      .  a struggle activist, a revolutionary, freedom fighter, political and military strategist, African leader, liberator (Visionary Leadership / Patriotism / Patience, Relentlessness, Determination / Freedom)

·      .  Internationalist and Diplomat (Diplomacy/Internationalism)

·      .   Humanist, Teacher and Champion for Children, Women’s Empowerment and Education (Human Rights/Non-Racialism/Equality/Non-Sexism)

·      .  Scientist, Lawyer, Musician, Father, Husband, Mentor (Creativity/Sacrifice)

·      .  Iconic figure of the 20^th century

As we approach SA Heritage Day on the 24^th of September and marching towards the end of our Heritage Month, one cannot resist but reflect with great admiration and pride at the strides that the South African Society has taken in transforming the heritage landscape. Even today, nation building remains one of the agendas of the South African Government.

Be that as it may, the strategy to dedicate a full month for celebration of the country’s heritage remains a master stroke. South Africans are showing clear signs of pride in their heritage without any fear or favour. They demonstrate their pride in their languages, the attires they dawn; in their food; the traditions and customs they practice and many other facets of their lives.  The heritage and cultural landscape is broad. It covers tangible and intangible heritage; nature, music, dance, stories, political heritage, economic, religious, legal etc.

From this character, South Africans can adopt the same values to fashion their own lives. Tambo’s ultimate goal was to unite South Africans of all races, colour  and creed. Hence there is a need to see more of our countrymen and women in state organized cultural events. The past that characterizes the South African history could serve as a contrast  and not necessarily inhibit South Africans from being united while appreciating their diversity. On the 24^th of September South Africans will be gathered in Mpumalanga to celebrate heritage day and this should extend beyond the one day into 365 days per year.

South Africans could be behaving in manner that characterises UBUNTU one of our African value system where “we” is more considered by the “Ï”; sharing of responsibilities become a priority; empathy and considerate; etc

South Africa is proud of its fauna and flora that is unique to South Africa and have been declared by UNESCO as the World Heritage Sites. Our BIG FIVE which is the rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard and the elephant is there to be encountered by national and international tourists. Our Society is known for being hospitable and friendly welcoming to guests that come from different areas of our country and the world at large. We pride ourselves for having world class facilities which are surrounded by indigenous sites and places of interest. While in South Africa, one can enjoy the beauty of our beaches, majestic mountains including Table Mountain which was declared as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, indigenous forests, traditional dance and music and many more.

Happy Heritage Day/Month

Seraki Matsebe: SA Head of Mission in Taipei