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Today, we celebrate Heritage Day – a day to honour our rich diversity and the unique cultures that shape our identity as a nation. But, as we reflect on where we come from, we must also ask ourselves: What kind of future are we building for our children, our women, and our youth? 

“Heritage” is not just about our past – it is about the legacy we leave behind each year that passes. It is about taking ownership of our present to build a future that is worthy of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, the sacrifices we too must make for those who will come after us.

Our struggle for freedom was not in vain. We fought to live in a country where everyone – regardless of race, gender, or other backgrounds – can walk tall, free from fear and discrimination, judged only by the content of their character. Yet, in 2024, we are still grappling with issues that threaten the very fabric of our society. The safety of our women and children remains in jeopardy. This is unacceptable. 

We cannot claim to honour our heritage if we continue to turn a blind eye on the violence and fear that so many of our women and children face daily.

Our youth, too, are being left behind. We have a generation of young people who are desperate for opportunities and a generally enabling environment for self-actualization, but our education system is failing them. It is a national disgrace that so many of our children leave school unable to read for meaning. The promise of freedom means nothing if it does not include the ability to access a quality education. Our youth deserve better, and we owe it to them to craft an education system that prepares them for the future.

Heritage Day should remind us of the responsibility we all share in building a society that works for everyone. Our history is important, but it cannot be allowed to shackle our future. We must not allow past divisions to define how we move forward as a nation. We must take action to secure a better tomorrow for our children, our women, and our youth.

The BELA Bill poses a direct threat to this future. By allowing politicians to determine what language our children will learn in, despite their cultural background, this government is undermining the very freedom we fought so hard to achieve. Language is not just a tool for communication, and certainly not for political game playing – it is part of who we are, each one of us. 

At ActionSA, we will never allow our diversity to be used as a weapon to divide us. We will always fight for a South Africa where freedom of choice is protected.

As Africans, united in our diversity, we must put Africa first. Our future lies in unity – in recognising that we are stronger together, not divided by race or ethnicity. We see colour, but we do not use it to pre-judge others. Instead, we see people. We see potential. And we know that the only way to unlock that potential is through collective responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in building the South Africa we want – one where human rights are upheld, where safety is a guarantee, and where opportunity is available to all.

Heritage Day should also be a time to reflect on the action needed to secure the future we want. We cannot wait for change to come from those who have failed to deliver time and time again. It is up to us, as citizens, to demand better and to hold those in power accountable. We must take action to protect the hard-won freedoms that so many gave their lives for. We cannot afford to be passive while the fabric of our society unravels.

Fellow South Africans, our history is part of us, but it should never be a weight that holds us back. We should never allow ourselves to lose tomorrow because of yesterday. Today, let us commit to building a future that honours the past by ensuring that the mistakes of yesterday are not repeated. Let us stand together in our diversity, united by our shared values, to create a South Africa that is safer, freer, and more prosperous for all who call it home.

Happy Heritage Day to you all. May we continue to put South Africa first.

Issued by ActionSA President Herman Mashaba