OVER R600 000 TO UNLOCK HERITAGE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
(07 March 2005)
The National Heritage Council and the Mpumalanga provincial government delegation led by Premier Thabang Makwetla entered an agreement of cooperation to define the heritage and its contribution to economic development. Dr Peter Delius will lead a study that is aimed at documenting the story of Mpumalanga and its historic contribution to the emergence of the new South Africa. The meeting, also attended by Ms Luli Callinicos (Chairperson of the NHC), Acting MEC P Pasha(Head: Culture, Sport and Recreation), MEC W Lubesi (Economic development and planning), Mr F Magagula (Head: Culture, Sport and Recreation), Advocate M S Soko (Director General), Pror peter Delius, Dr Somadoda Fikeni (COO of NHC) at the offices of the NHC in Johannesburg today reflected on the commitment of the Mpumalaga province in accordance to the Premier’s speech at the opening of parliament where he placed heritage as a priority.
The research project is expected to be completed by the end of 2005 and
will cost just over R600 000,00.
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According to Premier Makwetla,” the study by Dr Delius, head of the history department at Wits University will, amongst others, provide a major source for:
Debates about identity,
Identification and prioritization of heritage sites,
Definition and demarcation of additional tourist routes,
Information material for education and tourism and
The development of historical and travel films to profile the rich heritage
resources of the province”.
The NHC views this project as a direct impetus to what the recent conference
on Heritage Development has declared; heritage does contribute to socio-economic
development and should be prioritized for development. The results of the study
will certainly provide a benchmark in the reinterpretation of our South African
heritage”, said Mancotywa.
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Issued by: The National Heritage Council and
Office of the Premier,
Mpumalanga Provincial Government
For media enquiries: Ntime Skhosana
Premier’s Spokes Person
Cell: 0846730415
Danny Goulkan
Marketing Manager
The National Heritage Council
Tele: (011) 482 9573
Fax: (011) 482 8789
Cell: 072 952 2260
e-mail: danny@nhc.org.za