Finalists Announced for the 12th Golden Shield Heritage Awards

_{The National Heritage Council (NHC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 12th annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards (GOSHA) 2025/26, a prestigious platform that recognises individuals, organisations, and communities who are preserving, protecting, and promoting South Africa’s diverse heritage.}

_{This year, more than 150 applications were received across nine categories, reflecting the depth of commitment to safeguarding the nation’s cultural legacy. After a rigorous adjudication process, the following finalists have been selected:}

_{Finalists by Category}

1. _{National Living Treasure}

• _{One finalist in this category}

2. _{Preferred Heritage Destination}

• _{Hector Pieterson Museum – Soweto, Gauteng}
• _{!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre – Western Cape}
• _{Indlondlo Zulu Dancers Cultural and Art Centre – KwaZulu-Natal}

3. _{Young Heritage Activist}

• _{One finalist in this category}

4. _{Voice of Heritage}

• _{Thatayaone Dire – Mahikeng (Setswana language and oral traditions)}
• _{Marlinee Fouche – 100 Jaar van Afrikaans Podcast Series – Jacaranda FM}

5. _{Corporate Heritage Management}

• _{One finalist in this category}

7. _{Heritage Education}

• _{Joan Lithgow – Gauteng (Marimba pioneer and educator)}
• _{Thabiso Mofokeng – Bloemfontein (Sesotho literature, writer and publisher)}

8. _{Heritage Social Media Influencer}

• _{Audrey Kozwana Shosana – Mpumalanga (Indoni Miss Cultural SA 2017/18, Ndebele YouTuber and poet)}
• _{Thobeka “Zamambo” Mkhize – KwaZulu-Natal (Amatshiwelele Festival founder, cultural mentor and digital activist)}

9. _{Heritage Journalism}

• _{Thapelo Medupe – North West (Radio broadcaster, Setso show on Mahikeng FM)}
• _{Carte Blanche – Gauteng (Investigative journalism programme highlighting heritage stories)}

_{“The Golden Shield Heritage Awards continue to pay tribute on the unsung heroes and champions of our heritage. The 2025 finalists demonstrate innovation, resilience, and passion in preserving South Africa’s cultural identity, ensuring that it remains alive and relevant for future generations,” said Dr Thabo Manetsi, CEO of the NHC.}

_{The following special categories; Ubuntu Honour and Lifetime Achievement and the Liberation Heritage Steward awardees, will be announced at the awards ceremony on the 19 September 2025.}

_Ends//

Awards Ceremony

The winners will be announced at the Golden Shield Heritage Awards ceremony, taking place in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, 19^th September, during Heritage Month celebrations.

About the Golden Shield Heritage Awards

The Golden Shield Heritage Awards were established by the National Heritage Council to recognise and celebrate the custodians of South Africa’s living heritage. The awards highlight individuals, organisations, and communities whose work ensures the preservation and promotion of cultural practices, indigenous knowledge systems, and heritage education.

Ends//

Issued by the National Heritage Council of South Africa

For Media Interviews contact: Tebogo Shilakwe: Stakeholder Engagement Officer at 071 308 9305, t.shilakwe@nhc.org.za or Tshireledzo Mandane: Communications Officer at 079 298 9394, t.mandane@nhc.org.za

Website: www.nhc.org.za | Social Media: @NationalHeritageCouncil (Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok) and @NHCSouthAfrica (X).