National Heritage Council

31/07/2026

Happening now | The National Heritage Council (NHC) is handing over groceries and blankets to the Mpho Ya Rona Centre in Sebokeng, Gauteng, as part of the Nelson Mandela Ubuntu Initiative.

The initiative reflects the enduring values of Nelson Mandela by supporting vulnerable members of the community and encouraging acts of kindness, compassion and Ubuntu.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

31/07/2026

Today, the National Heritage Council (NHC), as a proud stakeholder partner in the Exile Repatriation Programme, joins the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and other stager key Stakeholder partners in the media briefing of the Exile Repatriation Programme which restores dignity by bringing our fallen heroes and heroines home from Angola, ensuring they are remembered, honoured and laid to rest in the land they fought to free. Through this collective national effort, we preserve their legacy and strengthen our shared history for present and future generations.

As a key partner in the programme, the NHC remains committed to preserving, protecting and promoting our liberation heritage while fostering social cohesion through remembrance and memorialisation.

📺 Watch the live proceedings of the media briefing here: https://youtube.com/live/1ZzfbaAF4Uc?feature=share

Freedom Park, together with the South African Judicial Education In...

30/07/2026

Career Summit | Day 2

The National Heritage Council (NHC) concluded its participation at the Soweto Skills and Careers Summit on 30 July 2026 at Orlando East, Soweto, where it continued to inspire learners, students, job seekers, and members of the public to explore careers in the heritage sector.

As part of the Day 2 programme, NHC Preservation and Promotion Coordinator, Ms. Matanato Ngwaila, together with colleagues, presented the organisation's programmes and initiatives, highlighting the NHC's role in preserving and promoting South Africa's rich cultural heritage and creating awareness of career opportunities within the sector.

During the engagement, Ms. Ngwaila encouraged participants to reflect on the value of heritage, saying: "What is heritage, and how does it impact our daily lives? Heritage is more than our history it shapes our identity, strengthens our communities, and contributes to nation-building and social cohesion. As you make decisions about your future, consider the many rewarding career opportunities available in preserving and promoting South Africa's rich cultural heritage. Your passion can play a vital role in safeguarding our heritage for future generations."

Throughout the day, visitors also engaged with the NHC exhibition stand to learn more about the organisation's work, its programmes and initiatives, and the diverse career pathways available in the heritage sector.

30/07/2026

Let's Connect! We're Here for You.

Whether you have a question, need support, or would like to learn more about NHC's services, we would love to hear from you.

Contact us by phone, email, or direct message through our social media platforms.
We are ready to provide the information and support you need.

Reach out today and let NHC help you find the answers you're looking for.
Contact us today. We are here to help.

29/07/2026

Career Summit | Day 1

The National Heritage Council (NHC) is currently participating in the Soweto Skills and Careers Summit, taking place from 29–30 July 2026 in Orlando East.

On the first day of the summit, the NHC’s Preservation and Promotion Coordinator, Ms Matanato Ngwaila, presented on the NHC’s programmes and initiatives, highlighting career opportunities in the heritage sector and the NHC’s role in preserving and promoting South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

The summit continues tomorrow. We invite learners, students, job seekers, and members of the public to visit the NHC exhibition stand to learn more about career opportunities in the heritage sector, the NHC’s programmes and initiatives, and how heritage contributes to nation-building and social cohesion.

We look forward to engaging with you throughout the summit.

29/07/2026

Today, the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) participated in the Mandela Day Outreach Programme at the Union Buildings, welcoming 67 learners for an educational journey through one of South Africa's most significant heritage sites.

During the visit, the learners explored the Union Buildings Gardens and its iconic landmarks, including the Nelson Mandela Statue, the Exhibition Centre, the Amphitheatre, the Women's Memorial, and the Milestones of Freedom exhibition. Through these experiences, they gained valuable insights into South Africa's history, heritage, and the enduring values that continue to shape our democracy.

The programme concluded with an engaging educational presentation by Grace Mayile, World Heritage Specialist at the NHC, who deepened the learners' understanding of South Africa's rich cultural and historical heritage and inspired them to become custodians of our shared history.

28/07/2026

Do you know a young heritage champion making a difference?

The Young Heritage Activist Category recognizes inspiring individuals aged 35 years or younger.
Who can enter:
• Actively promote and preserve our nation's cultural heritage
• Champion heritage awareness in their communities or across the country
• Inspire pride in our shared traditions, values, and identity

If you know a passionate young community activist making an impact, now is the time to recognize their dedication.

Submit your nomination today: https://bit.ly/43H3ePe

Let us celebrate the young leaders preserving our heritage for future generations.

24/07/2026

We are pleased to share Volume 1, Issue 6 (June/July 2026) of our Heritage Newsletter.

This edition features inspiring stories, key organisational updates, and reflections that highlight the meaningful work being undertaken across our organisation and the broader heritage sector.

Read the full newsletter here: https://www.nhc.org.za/volume-1-issue-6-june-july-2026-newsletter/24/

We value your feedback. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

22/07/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 22 July 2026

National Heritage Council Announces 2026/27 Annual Heritage Funding Outcomes
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 orhttp://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 [email protected]

For further information, please contact: Ms Tebogo Shilakwe – Stakeholder Engagement Officer – [email protected]– 084 5978881.

Ends/
Issued by the National Heritage Council of South Africa

22/07/2026

Do you know an elder who has dedicated their life to preserving and passing on our treasured traditions? Celebrate their legacy by nominating them as a National Living Treasure.

This category recognises elders who pass on traditional art forms such as rug weaving, basketry, storytelling, pottery, traditional design and other forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage to younger generations.

Who can be nominated?

• Must have promoted and advocated for the preservation or revival of intangible cultural heritage over many years.
• Must be 65 years or older and actively involved in their community through volunteering, organising events or serving in leadership roles.

Help honour a cultural champion and keep our traditions alive.
Nominate a National Living Treasure today: https://bit.ly/43H3ePe