23 September 2024

Celebrating Heritage Day

Greetings

Tomorrow, 24 September, we join fellow South Africans across the country and beyond to celebrate Heritage Day – a crucial day on this Heritage Month in our country. The day presents an opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories that define us as a nation and as the NWU community. Our diverse heritage is a source of pride and strength, reminding us of the unity that can be found within diversity. It is this unity in diversity that not only enriches our experiences at the NWU, but also shapes our identity as a truly South African institution guided by the Constitutional call that "South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity".

Heritage Month is more than a celebration of our past. It is an acknowledgment of the values and principles that guide us toward a more inclusive and equitable future. At the NWU, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique voice to the broader narrative. Our shared heritage is not just about where we come from but also about where we are going as a community. This year's Heritage Month is a special one for the NWU as it also serves as a platform to reflect and appreciate our journey since our establishment in 2004. An honest assessment will without doubt remind us about both positive and negative experiences, but more than anything it would point towards unlimited opportunities that we need to leverage as we embark on our journey to discover new frontiers and opportunities that benefit society, advancing our relevance and impact.

Let us use this opportunity to engage with each other, to learn and to grow in understanding. I encourage all of us to participate in the various heritage activities and programmes organised across our campuses. These events provide a platform for us to showcase and celebrate the cultural wealth that exists within our university, promoting a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect.

As we honour our heritage, let us also remember the importance of preserving it for future generations. We each have a role to play in safeguarding the cultural and historical legacy that has been passed down to us. By doing so, we ensure that our heritage remains a living, breathing part of our daily lives, inspiring us to build a society that is just, compassionate and united.

In the spirit of this celebration, may we all find inspiration in our diverse backgrounds and use it to continue building bridges across our differences. Let us be reminded that our strength lies in our diversity, and it is through this diversity that we find unity and a shared purpose.

Wishing you a meaningful Heritage Day filled with reflection, celebration and community.

Enkosi
Baie dankie
Ke a leboga
Thank you

Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor