The National Heritage Council of South Africa is a statutory body that is responsible for the preservation of the country’s heritage. Since its existence on 26 February 2004, it has managed to place heritage as a priority for nation building and national identity.

A schedule 3A public entity that came into existence through an amendment of the Cultural Laws Second Amendment Act 69 of 2001, The National Heritage Council of South Africa was officially constituted through the National Heritage Council Act 11 of 1999, which was assented to on 14 April1999 and officially proclaimed on 26 February 2004.

The important areas that the NHC focuses on are:

• Policy development for the sector to meet its transformation goals.
• Public awareness and education.
• Knowledge production in heritage subjects that were previously neglected,
• Making funding available to projects that place heritage as a socio-economic resource.

Vision:

To build a nation proud of its African heritage.

Mission:

To transform, protect and promote South African heritage for sustainable development.