Lest we forget. The Eastern Cape is rightly proud of its fascinating historic, cultural and anti-apartheid struggle heritage.
The provincial government promotes the province as the “home of legends” and has set up numerous heritage tourism routes through the province to supposedly celebrate this heritage.
But many of these resources are in tatters.
This week, we highlighted the neglect, vandalism and storm damage of the landmark Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) in Ginsberg near Qonce — co-founded by anti-apartheid icon Steve Biko.
It is one of many neglected potential heritage sites.
What makes it sadder is that it is still an active ECD centre, making it even more precious to this province.
Unfortunately, it is not an exceptional case.
Too many heritage sites have become derelict or are inaccessible. There is often no signage or information at important burial and other sites, adding to their inaccessibility.
Repositories of our heritage such as museums are all too often themselves tatty, badly managed and open to theft of the items they are supposed to display and celebrate.
The Eastern Cape has its own provincial Heritage Resources Authority whose sole job is to identify protect, conserve, promote and manage heritage resources.
On its website it proudly says its vision and mission includes having “well conserved viable cultural heritage resources” and to promote reconciliation, social cohesion and sustainable socioeconomic development.
It is supposed to seek to “transform the cultural heritage resources landscape for sustainable development of communities at both local and provincial levels for present and future generations”.
During his budget speech in March, finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko announced an allocation of R1bn to sport, recreation, arts and cultural activities.
He emphasised that cultural activities played a huge role in uplifting social and economic aspects of communities.
He said that this budget would, among other things, be used to “develop, transform and promote arts and culture, museums and heritage”.
There can be no doubt that this province’s heritage sites potentially attract both local and international tourism, and support job creation and development.
Provincial and local government needs to set the example in terms of protecting and promoting our many heritage sites.
But communities also have an obligation to do so. It is up to every person to learn about and preserve the rich tapestry of languages, traditions and histories.
Learning about heritage and the struggles and triumphs that shaped this province can connect young people to their roots and foster a sense of belonging.
We need to keep alive the unique places and stories for future generations.
Daily Dispatch