Women in Heritage programme to be hosted in KwaZulu-Natal Province
The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC), in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, will host the Women in Heritage celebration programme on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, in KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme: “Honouring her legacy, Women Shaping Our Heritage Future”.
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: The Station Drive, 65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Stamford Hill, Durban 4001, KwaZulu-Natal
The programme aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution of women in the preservation and transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It forms part of the NHC’s strategic interventions, which provide a platform for women in the heritage sector to lead critical engagements and share knowledge and experiences related to heritage protection and sustainability.
The focus of this year’s celebration is to acknowledge the important role women play in safeguarding oral traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural practices within their communities.
The Women in Heritage Programme is implemented annually to pay tribute to the historic Women’s March and to recognise the significant role women continue to play in shaping the nation. The programme was officially launched in 2024, with its inaugural event held in Limpopo.
The communal role of women must be recognised and strengthened at all levels to address prevailing social challenges. As primary caregivers and community custodians, women are uniquely positioned to transmit traditional practices, norms, and knowledge, including culinary, medicinal, musical, and material culture traditions, to younger generations.
Elderly women in heritage will share personal experiences, demonstrate unique heritage skills, and engage in intergenerational dialogue. The event is expected to bring together approximately 250 participants from across the country, including community leaders, youth, academics, traditional authorities, and government officials.
Key Objectives of the Celebration:
- Recognise and honour women’s contribution to heritage preservation.
- Highlight the role of women in shaping cultural practices for future generations.
- Foster gender inclusivity and economic empowerment in the heritage sector.
- Promote awareness and documentation of intangible cultural expressions.
Certificates and trophies will be presented to identified legendary women in recognition of their outstanding contributions, as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement. This acknowledgement emphasizes the significance of heritage not merely as a cultural asset to be safeguarded, but as a vehicle for economic empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.
For Media Interview Requests and Further Information please contact:
Mr Tsireledzo Mandane: 0792989394; Email: t.mandane@nhc.org.za
Mr Ntando Mnyandu: +27 60 329 0690; Email: Ntando.Mnyandu@kzndsac.gov.za
For Media RSVPs, please contact:
Ms Tebogo Shilakwe: 071 308 9305; Email: t.shilakwe@nhc.org.za