Successful 10th Heritage Awards – Cape Town

The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) hosted the 10th annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on 14 September 2023, where Heritage Champions were announced. Winners and finalists in the five (5) categories were honoured for their selfless work in the sector with R30, 000.00 and R10, 000.00 cash prizes respectively.

Out of the nine categories, there were no finalists and winners in the following categories; Heritage Journalism, Social Media Influencer, Liberation Heritage Steward and Heritage Corporate Citizen.

Prof. Pitika Ntuli together with Mr Themba Wakashe were both honoured with a special award of Lifetime Achievement which is nominated by the Council. This special award recognises individuals with an outstanding and lasting contribution to the heritage interpretation profession over a significant period of time. The nominees should have made outstanding contribution in a number of key areas: education and training, producing exemplary interpretive projects, supporting and promoting cultural or natural heritage activities.

Ms Ria Ledwaba was announced as the recipient of The Ubuntu honour award. This award is handed out to an ordinary person who personifies the values of Ubuntu and is selected by the NHC Council to receive the award. Ms Ledwaba founder of The Ria Ledwaba Foundation, provides support to the youth and women in disadvantaged communities to achieve their goals in sport and provides support to abused women while distributing uniforms and blankets to destitute and child-led households.

“There was no better time to honour the special awards’ recipients either than this year which is a remarkable one for the Golden Shield Heritage Awards! The Lifetime Achievement duo have made such an indelible mark in the Heritage sector. May your legacies continue to be remembered for your selflessness, dedication and commitment,” said Dr Ndivho Lukhwareni, Chief Executive of the NHC.

“Mme Ledwaba may your selflessness and caring for humanity inspire other young African women to also emulate the value of Ubuntu in their communities which builds a nation that is socially cohesive, added Dr Lukhwareni.

The following winners in the various categories:

National Living Treasure:

Prof Nokuzola Mndende

Preferred Heritage Destination

Melville Koppies

Young Heritage Activist

Sipho Hlakudi

Voice of Heritage

Dr. Monicca Thulisile Bhuuda

Heritage Education

Cape Heritage Museum

“Without the great work you all do in your communities, our memorabilia in our history, culture and heritage would be extinct. Continue to build a nation that is aware and proud of its cultural heritage!” added Dr Lukhwareni.