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Opinion article by Dr Nontombi Velelo, Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, University of the Free State

September 24 is previously known as Shaka Day and was observed primarily in KwaZulu-Natal to commemorate the Zulu King Shaka. It was in the mid-1990s that the post-apartheid government decided to change what was known as Shaka Day to Heritage Day to foster, embrace, and honour diverse traditions, beliefs, and identities. This was a period when the concept of a rainbow nation appealed to many South Africans, with the hope of realising diversity, inclusivity, equality, and freedom.

The concept of heritage is deeply rooted in traditional values, distinctive cultural attributes, and natural properties that were passed down by our predecessors. The socialisation process plays a crucial role in instilling traditional values and knowledge relating to social norms. In the African context, this process requires a communitarian effort to pass down knowledge of socially desirable and undesirable behaviour and actions. The recent events on social media (celebration of Spring Day, altercations between teachers and learners, drug abuse, and delinquent acts) demonstrate the disconnection between communitarian expectations and actions.

Though some view these acts as an indication of normlessness and social disorder, it would be beneficial for society to reflect on the values to be instilled in young people and to seek mutually beneficial ways. South Africa’s heritage identity is anchored by the core principles of Ubuntu: care, respect, kindness, and compassion. These attributes of Ubuntu are instrumental in inculcating what is perceived as socially acceptable and promote a humanistic approach to resolving challenges. The celebration of Heritage Day should include conversations about Ubuntu and embracing our authentic selves.

Celebrating our heritage: Strengthening the ties that bind us

This year marks 32 years into democracy, South Africans are still in search of the ties that bind us together, apart from sport. Many are still captured by the unbreakable shackles of historical displacement, and generational poverty. The capitalists took over and commercialised sacred spaces that are meant for the restoration and healing of sons and daughters of the soil. Ordinary South Africans are unable to access tangible heritage sites due to commercialisation and monetisation. Though the government claims co-ownership of such properties with communities, these locations are used to attract tourists and maximise profits.

In contrast, native communities are confronted with poverty, hunger, and unemployment. The historical legacy of displacement of many non-white South Africans, by colonialism and apartheid, from their native land denies South Africans little if no access to land. The debate relating to land reform has become political rhetoric without tangible results. Statistics South Africa report indicates that 13% of South African households reside in shacks. There are over 4 297 informal settlement areas in South Africa, with an estimated five million people living in shacks. Before the 1994 elections, Letta Mbulu released a song titled Not yet Uhuru on the March 11 1994, while South Africans were eagerly waiting for freedom. In her song, Mbuli alludes to South Africans sleeping in shacks due to unbroken shackles of injustice and oppression.

The lyrics of this song reflected on the housing conditions of many South Africans while predicting the current, growing number of informal settlements, even though South Africans have voting rights. It speaks to the disadvantaged position of the majority group of South Africans. The unfolding fraudulent cases in the media indicate the government’s lack of interest in ensuring that South Africans not only celebrate heritage but also inherit that which should have been passed down through generations by freedom fighters. Mbuli sensitises the notion about the ancient culture that states the inheritance of fools is appropriated by the wise. She foresaw the false dream sold to many South Africans regarding access to heritage rights.