National Heritage Council

08/09/2026

Media Invite
Tuesday, 08 September 2026
TO: ALL EDITORS

INVITATION TO COVER THE 13TH ANNUAL GOLDEN SHIELD HERITAGE AWARDS IN MBOMBELA
The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, invites members of the media to cover the 13th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards (GOSHA), taking place on Friday, 25 September 2026, at Emnotweni Casino in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The Golden Shield Heritage Awards recognise and celebrate individuals, organisations and communities whose work has made a significant contribution to the preservation, protection and promotion of South Africa’s cultural heritage.
This year’s awards will bring together heritage practitioners, cultural leaders, community champions and other stakeholders to celebrate the people and initiatives that continue to safeguard South Africa’s diverse heritage and strengthen its value for present and future generations.
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS
The 13th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards provide an opportunity to highlight:
• Grassroots heritage champions and unsung heroes whose contributions are making a difference in communities.
• The role of cultural heritage in nation-building, social cohesion and social transformation.
• Mpumalanga’s rich and diverse heritage, including the people and communities contributing to its preservation.
• The importance of recognising and supporting those working to protect South Africa’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Accredited members of the media will have an opportunity to:
• Cover the awards ceremony and proceedings.
• Capture photographs and video footage of the event.
• Interview selected award recipients, heritage practitioners and NHC representatives.

• Obtain comments and insights on the importance of heritage preservation and the role of communities in safeguarding South Africa’s heritage.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: 13th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards (GOSHA)
Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
Venue: Emnotweni Casino, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Time: 18h00 – 19h00

MEDIA RSVP AND ACCREDITATION
Members of the media wishing to attend are requested to RSVP by 18 September 2026.
Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]
Media contact: Mr T. Mandane
WhatsApp/Cell: 079 298 9394

Please include your name, media organisation and contact details when confirming attendance.
We look forward to welcoming members of the media as we celebrate the individuals, organisations and communities helping to protect, preserve and promote South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

Issued by the National Heritage Council of South Africa
Website: www.nhc.org.za | Social Media: (Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok) and (X)

07/09/2026

[WATCH]

HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION: XiTsonga Traditional Food
As part of our Heritage Month celebrations, we proudly celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Tsonga people.

Traditional food is an important part of our culture and identity. It carries our history, knowledge, traditions, and practices, passed down from one generation to the next.

In this video, a Tsonga knowledge bearer demonstrates traditional food preparation and shares knowledge of cherished dishes, including:

Traditional Dishes
• Muroho wa Tinyawa
• Muroho wa Xiphaswa
• Xiridzani
Types of Pap (Vuswa)
• Vuswa bya Makhaha
• Vuswa bya Dini
• Vuswa bya Xibasa

As we celebrate Heritage Month, let us continue to honour, preserve, and share indigenous knowledge and cultural practices that keep our heritage alive for future generations.

04/09/2026

Meet Boikanyo Moagi, Tshireletso Ngapo and Didintle Mere from the Rama City Museum Young Historians Club as they share their experiences of the 2026 Historian Symposium.

They encourage young people to take part in next year’s Symposium, where they can learn, share knowledge and play a role in preserving and celebrating our heritage for future generations.

04/09/2026

[Watch]

As part of the Heritage Month celebrations, meet Rev. Alfred Mashapa, founder of the Rama City Museum Young Historians Club, which formed part of the 2026 Youth Symposium.

In this feature, Rev. Mashapa gives an overview of how the club was initiated, its vision, and its role in encouraging young people to learn about, preserve, and celebrate their heritage.

03/09/2026

Follow the critical conversations around the 2026 Historian Symposium taking place now at Freedom Park (SA) in partnership with NahLisa.

“Developing Young Custodians and Leaders of Africa’s Liberation Her...

03/09/2026

🇿🇦 LIBERATION HERITAGE: MEMORY, YOUTH & INNOVATION

Today, 03 September 2026, the National Liberation Heritage Institute of South Africa (NaLHISA) hosts a landmark Liberation Heritage Symposium at Freedom Park, in partnership with the National Heritage Council (NHC) and Freedom Park.

The symposium brings together heritage practitioners, academics and thought leaders to interrogate how we preserve liberation heritage, decolonise historical narratives, strengthen collective memory and harness digital innovation to ensure our heritage remains relevant for future generations.

With a strong focus on youth as custodians of heritage, the discussions seek to turn memory into action and history into a foundation for a more inclusive and connected future.

Our liberation heritage is not only a record of the past—it is a responsibility to the future.

02/09/2026

Celebrating Tshivenda as Part of Our Heritage

As we celebrate Heritage Month, we honour Tshivenda as a significant part of South Africa’s intangible cultural heritage.

Tshivenda proverbs form part of our oral traditions and expressions, preserving the wisdom, values and life lessons passed down through generations.

Let us celebrate, share and preserve these timeless expressions as part of our cultural identity.

Ri a takalela Tshivenda!

02/09/2026

Welcome to the NHC, Noluvo!

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Noluvo Mzantsi to the National Heritage Council as our new Council and Committees Coordinator Assistant.

With over five years of administrative experience, including roles at the Department of Basic Education and the National Arts Council, Noluvo brings valuable skills and expertise to the NHC team.

Please join us in welcoming Noluvo and wishing her every success in her new role.

02/09/2026

🇿🇦 YOUTH LEADING THE FUTURE OF AFRICA’S LIBERATION HERITAGE

Today, 02 September 2026, young people are gathering at Freedom Park for the NaLHISA Youth Heritage Leadership Academy, held under the theme:

“Developing Young Custodians and Leaders of Africa’s Liberation Heritage.”

The Academy is a collaborative initiative between the National Liberation Heritage Institute of South Africa (NaLHISA), National Heritage Council (NHC), Freedom Park and Afreximbank, bringing together young people to deepen their understanding of liberation heritage and inspire them to become active custodians of Africa’s collective memory.

Through interactive and practical sessions, participants are exploring:

🔸 The importance of liberation heritage in today’s society
🔸 Collective memory, identity and nation-building
🔸 The role of young people as custodians of heritage
🔸 Digital technology, AI and storytelling for heritage preservation
🔸 Turning heritage knowledge into community action
🔸 Developing personal heritage leadership plans
🔸 Building a lasting legacy through heritage leadership

The Academy is more than a learning platform — it is an investment in young Africans who will carry forward the stories, values and lessons of our liberation struggles and ensure that they remain relevant for generations to come.

When young people understand their history, they are empowered to shape the future.

🤝 NaLHISA | NHC | Freedom Park | Afreximbank