Profile of the Heritage Sector

Harriet Deacon

Heritage is usually defined as ‘what we inherit’, ‘what we value’ or ‘what we want to pass on to future generations’. Our heritage consists of those cultural resources (objects, practices and places) that are recognised as worthy of passing on to future generations. The South African National Heritage Resources Act (1999) sets out formal criteria under which South African heritage can qualify for classification as national, regional or local heritage resources.

At present, our formal heritage resources predominantly consist of cultural resources that are old, traditional, colonial and/or rare forms of ‘high culture’. Cultural heritage can however include any cultural forms (e.g. buildings, art, crafts) that we value as a society. Intangible heritage or living heritage (e.g. symbolism, languages, music, oral history, dance, narrative etc.) is also part of our cultural heritage. Even natural places and environments can be part of our cultural heritage. The new heritage act emphasises the importance of honouring our living heritage and experiences under oppressive circumstances of apartheid and slavery.

To read a report on the status of our heritage resources, and the problems facing the sector, download the pdf.