National Heritage Council

National Heritage Council Champions of African heritage towards social cohesion.

The National Heritage Council of South Africa is a government institution that is responsible for the preservation of the country’s heritage. The important areas that the NHC focuses on are policy development for the sector to meet its transformation goals, public awareness and education, knowledge production in heritage subjects that were previously neglected, as well as making funding available

to projects that place heritage as a socio-economic resource. The National Heritage Council, a Schedule 3A public entity that came into existence through an amendment of the Cultural Laws Second Amendment Act 69 of 2001, was officially constituted through the National Heritage Council Act 11 of 1999, assented to on 14 April, 1999 and officially proclaimed on 26 February, 2004.

🇿🇦 NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026 | HONOURING THE LEGACY OF THE YOUTH OF 1976The National Heritage Council (NHC) joined thousan...
16/06/2026

🇿🇦 NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026 | HONOURING THE LEGACY OF THE YOUTH OF 1976

The National Heritage Council (NHC) joined thousands of South Africans at the National Youth Day Commemoration held at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, marking the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Earlier in the day, NHC Chairperson, Mr Tau Masemola, participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto. The solemn commemoration was attended by President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, and other dignitaries, who gathered to pay tribute to the young lives lost and the courageous generation that helped shape South Africa's democratic future.

The National Youth Day event at FNB Stadium brought together people from across the country to honour the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of the youth of 1976, while recognising the critical role that young people continue to play in nation-building, social cohesion, and the development of South Africa.

As we reflect on this historic milestone, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the youth of 1976 and recommit ourselves to empowering future generations to become active custodians of our heritage and champions of positive change.

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🕯️🇿🇦 YOUTH DAY 2026 | CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONYResistance & Liberation Heritage Route ProgrammeAs South Africa marks the 5...
16/06/2026

🕯️🇿🇦 YOUTH DAY 2026 | CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONY
Resistance & Liberation Heritage Route Programme

As South Africa marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprisings, the National Heritage Council joined the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Arts Alive, Friends of the Hector Pieterson Museum, and the community of Soweto in a moving candlelighting ceremony along the historic streets of Moema and Vilakazi in Orlando West.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, NHC Chairperson Mr Tau Masemola said:

“Today, 50 years later, we stand on sacred ground that carried the voices of courageous young people who selflessly sought to change the course of history. This site now forms part of South Africa’s 12th World Heritage Site, the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, which honour our human rights, resistance and liberation journey.”

As candles illuminated the dawn, participants paid tribute to the young heroes and heroines of 1976 whose courage ignited a movement for freedom, dignity and justice.

May the spirit of the youth of 1976 live on in every generation that continues the struggle for a better South Africa.

June16 Soweto OrlandoWest MoemaStreet VilakaziStreet 1976StudentUprisings LivingHeritage WorldHeritage NelsonMandelaLegacySites 🇿🇦🕯️

🏆✨ DAY 3 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP 🇿🇦This evening, stakeholders gathered at the Maropeng Interpretation Centre to c...
15/06/2026

🏆✨ DAY 3 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP 🇿🇦

This evening, stakeholders gathered at the Maropeng Interpretation Centre to celebrate and honour the outstanding young leaders participating in the National Youth Heritage Camp, while also recognising the dedicated educators who selflessly guided and mentored learners throughout their presentations and activities.

Congratulations to the provincial winners of the group presentations:
🥇 Northern Cape – First Place
🥈 North West – Second Place
🥉 Gauteng – Third Place

Under the National Essay Competition theme, "From Protest to Purpose", learners showcased their creativity, critical thinking and commitment to shaping South Africa's future. The top achievers included:
📱 A learner from Gauteng and a learner from Limpopo, who each received a tablet.
💻 A learner from Gauteng, who received a laptop as the overall winner.

All participants received certificates and commemorative goodies in recognition of their enthusiasm, hard work and active participation throughout the camp.

Addressing the gathering, NHC Chairperson of Council, Mr Tau Masemola, commended the learners for embracing the values of leadership, heritage and active citizenship, encouraging them to carry forward the legacy of the youth of 1976 through purposeful action and nation-building.

🚨 REMINDER: NHC CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CLOSING SOON! 🚨Are you passionate about preserving, promoting and advancing South A...
15/06/2026

🚨 REMINDER: NHC CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CLOSING SOON! 🚨

Are you passionate about preserving, promoting and advancing South Africa's rich and diverse heritage? This is your opportunity to join the team shaping the future of heritage in our country.

The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) is recruiting talented and dedicated professionals across a range of executive, management, finance, research, heritage and support roles.

Whether your expertise lies in: ✅ Heritage & Indigenous Knowledge Systems
✅ Research & Knowledge Management
✅ Marketing, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
✅ Finance & Risk Management
✅ Human Resources & Administration
✅ Project Management & Monitoring and Evaluation
✅ Information Technology & Infrastructure
..there could be a role for you!

📌 Available positions include:

Executive: Corporate Services

Senior Manager: Strategy, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation

Manager: Marketing, PR & Communications

Manager: Research & Knowledge Production

Finance Managers

Indigenous Knowledge Systems Coordinator

Knowledge Management (Archivist)

Senior Researcher

HR Officer

Infrastructure & Network Technician

Project Monitoring & Reporting Officer

And many more.

📄 View the full advertisement, requirements and application process on the NHC Careers Portal:

National Heritage Council Careers: https://www.nhc.org.za/careers/

⏳ Don't miss your chance to contribute to preserving South Africa's heritage legacy for future generations.

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DAY 3 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP 🇿🇦Another exciting day of learning and discovery is underway!Learners have already ...
15/06/2026

DAY 3 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP 🇿🇦

Another exciting day of learning and discovery is underway!

Learners have already explored the rich liberation history of Liliesleaf Farm and journeyed through the story of humankind at the Maropeng Interpretation Centre.

Next stop: Constitution Hill, where they will engage with one of South Africa's most significant sites of memory, justice, and democracy.

Through these immersive heritage experiences, young people continue to connect with the stories, struggles, and milestones that have shaped our nation.

🇿🇦 DAY 2 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMPDay 2 of the National Youth Heritage Camp continued with a dynamic programme desi...
14/06/2026

🇿🇦 DAY 2 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP

Day 2 of the National Youth Heritage Camp continued with a dynamic programme designed to empower, educate and inspire the young leaders of tomorrow.

Learners had the opportunity to engage directly with partner organisations, gaining valuable insight into the work, programmes, services and opportunities available through the heritage, cultural and civic sectors. Presentations by the National Heritage Council (NHC), Robben Island Museum (RIM), Constitution Hill (South Africa) and the Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind helped participants better understand the role these institutions play in preserving South Africa's heritage and advancing youth development.

The day also featured thought-provoking Umrhabulo discussions with former RIM political prisoner, Mr Mpho Masemola, a Social Cohesion Workshop facilitated by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Constitutional Literacy sessions by We The People South Africa.

Learners further showcased their creativity and critical thinking through pre-task and essay presentations, while physical education and recreational activities strengthened teamwork and social bonds across provincial lines.

From heritage education and constitutional awareness to leadership development and social cohesion, Day 2 continued to equip young South Africans with the knowledge and tools to become active custodians of our shared heritage and democracy.

DAY 2 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP 🇿🇦The first part part of Day two's programme saw learners from across South Africa ...
14/06/2026

DAY 2 | NATIONAL YOUTH HERITAGE CAMP 🇿🇦

The first part part of Day two's programme saw learners from across South Africa came together in mixed groups, transcending provincial boundaries to engage in meaningful dialogue and shared learning.

Representing different provinces, the learners are presenting their reflections on yesterday's powerful keynote address delivered by youth uprising veteran Bab' Seth Mazibuko. Their discussions highlight the enduring relevance of the 1976 Youth Uprising, the importance of active citizenship, and the role of young people in shaping South Africa's future.

By learning from one another's perspectives and experiences, these young leaders are building connections, fostering unity, and deepening their understanding of our shared heritage and history.

3 DAYS TO GO | YOUTH UPRISINGS AT 50 🇿🇦As we count down to the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Youth U...
14/06/2026

3 DAYS TO GO | YOUTH UPRISINGS AT 50 🇿🇦

As we count down to the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprisings, we reflect on a pivotal moment in South Africa's resistance and liberation history.

Fifty years ago, on this day, young leaders gathered at the DCC YMCA in Soweto to finalise plans for the historic 16 June 1976 march. Their courage, unity, and determination would ignite a movement that forever changed the course of our nation's history.

This defining chapter reminds us of the bravery of South African youth who peacefully mobilised against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools and stood up for their right to quality and equitable education.

As we honour their legacy, we are reminded that the spirit of June 16 lives on in every generation that chooses to lead, serve, and shape a better future.

"The story of 1976 is not only about protest; it is about purpose, courage, and the power of young people to transform society," says veteran youth activist Mr Seth Mazibuko of the Seth Mazibuko Foundation, a partner in the National Heritage Youth Camp alongside leading heritage institutions and iconic World Heritage Sites, currently convening at Maropeng in the Cradle of Humankind.

In a powerful tribute to the legacy of the 1976 generation, Mr Mazibuko has also identified and brought together a committee of former 1976 student leaders who will participate in the historic commemorative march to Orlando Stadium on 16 June, ensuring that the voices and experiences of those who helped shape history continue to inspire future generations.

🇿🇦 Let us continue to draw inspiration from the youth of 1976 as we build a future rooted in freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.

🔥🇿🇦 The National Youth Heritage Camp is underway at the Maropeng Interpretation Centre, bringing together young people f...
13/06/2026

🔥🇿🇦 The National Youth Heritage Camp is underway at the Maropeng Interpretation Centre, bringing together young people from across South Africa to learn, connect, and reflect on the legacy of the 1976 Student Uprising.

Through cultural performances, heritage discussions, and interactive learning sessions, learners are exploring the events that shaped our nation's history while building friendships and strengthening social cohesion.

As we mark 50 years since 1976, the camp continues to inspire a new generation to preserve, promote, and celebrate South Africa's rich heritage.

Robben Island Museum
Constitution Hill (South Africa)
Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind

Address

Summit Business Place, 221 Garsfontein Road, Building No. 3, 2nd Floor
Pretoria
0081

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27127483949

Website

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