The Community Development Department's Library and Information Services celebrated Heritage Month by bringing communities and learners together through educational and cultural programmes at the City of Johannesburg's libraries At Drieziek Library, community members gathered under the theme “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us", with discussions focusing on the importance of preserving South Africa's cultural heritage for future generations.

The programme explored South African cuisine and food heritage, highlighting traditional dishes, their nutritional value and cultural significance, while encouraging the preservation of indigenous food knowledge. Participants also explored the history and meaning of heritage and discussed the importance of dignity, pride, love and unity within communities.

Cultural dances and the reciting of clan names added to the celebration, while a bring-and-share session allowed community members to exchange traditional foods and celebrate cultural diversity.

Meanwhile, Naturena Library took heritage education to younger audiences through two sessions. The first was a Heritage Talk for primary school children, where learners explored cultural traditions, languages and national symbols before taking part in a Heritage-themed quiz.

The second session, Heritage Storytelling, was presented to learners from Smart Angels Daycare. Through age-appropriate stories, traditional songs, cultural dances and activities centered on national symbols, learners were introduced to South Africa's diverse heritage in an engaging way.

The programmes demonstrated the role of libraries as community spaces where people can learn, share knowledge and celebrate their identities.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Thapelo Amad, has emphasised that libraries play an important role in empowering communities and developing young minds.

“The future of this City is reliant on the empowerment of its young minds. We applaud the library for continuing the City's mandate of ensuring that every child is capacitated with the skills required to play a meaningful role in the future of Johannesburg and South Africa."

Written by Mpho Lebese
25/09/2026
 
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