National Heritage Council Announces 2026/27 Annual Heritage Funding Outcomes
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 22 July 2026
Pretoria, Wednesday
The National Heritage Council (NHC) has awarded R7 million to 33 community-led heritage projects through its 2026/27 Annual Heritage Funding Programme, reaffirming its commitment to preserving, protecting and promoting South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage.
The funded projects cover heritage research, documentation, digitisation, heritage education, the preservation of cultural and historical resources, and the protection of indigenous knowledge systems. Collectively, these initiatives strengthen social cohesion, promote nation-building, and empower communities to safeguard South Africa’s heritage for future generations.
Congratulating the successful recipients, NHC Funding Manager, Ms Bongiwe Magasela, said the programme remains an important vehicle for supporting community-led heritage initiatives.
“Congratulations to all the successful recipients of the 2026/27 Annual Heritage Funding Programme. Your projects will make a meaningful contribution to conserving our nation’s diverse heritage while ensuring that future generations continue to learn from and celebrate our shared cultural legacy. We wish you every success as you implement your projects.”
Ms Magasela also thanked all organisations that responded to the funding call and acknowledged the high standard of applications received from heritage practitioners and community organisations across the country.
“We sincerely thank every organisation that submitted an application. The quality of the proposals reflects the passion and dedication of communities working to preserve South Africa’s heritage. Although not all applications could be funded, we encourage unsuccessful applicants to continue refining their initiatives and to apply in future funding cycles.”
The 33 funded projects are expected to make a significant contribution to documenting oral histories, safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems, promoting heritage education, protecting cultural and historical sites, and strengthening community-led heritage conservation across South Africa.
Members of the public and applicants can view the full list of successful recipients in the 2026/27 Annual Heritage Funding Outcomes document, available on the NHC’s website at www.nhc.org.za or http://www.nhc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/NHC-Annual-Funding-Outcomes.pdf
As the projects move into implementation, the NHC will work closely with grant recipients to support effective project delivery and ensure that the funded initiatives create lasting benefits for communities while safeguarding South Africa’s heritage for present and future generations.
For media enquiries, please contact Mr. Tsireledzo Mandane (Communication Officer) at 079 298 9394 or t.mandane@nhc.org.za
For further information, please contact: Ms Tebogo Shilakwe – Stakeholder Engagement Officer – t.shilakwe@nhc.org.za– 084 5978881.
Ends/
Issued by the National Heritage Council of South Africa