Ahead of Heritage Day on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on businesses and other stakeholders to work with the government on heritage preservation, particularly in marginalised communities. In his weekly letter to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa says South Africas diverse heritage is one of the countrys most valuable assets. The president has lamented the uneven private support for heritage sites, saying these sites present opportunities to stimulate local economies as well as assist in nation-building and reconciliation. Ramaphosa says a lack of support for less prominent heritage sites, outside those like Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto and Constitution Hill, has resulted in these falling into disrepair. He says this is a wasted opportunity as these sites provide work opportunities in the communities in which they are situated. He says it is the responsibility of government together with the private sector, corporate sponsors and philanthropies to ensure these legacies and safeguard them for future generations.
Heritage Day commemoration set to take place at Meqheleng in Ficksburg: Meanwhile, Ramaphosa is currently engaging business in New York on the margins of UN General Assembly. The president will focus on the role of business in navigating a landscape for Africas minerals.
Panel on critical Energy Transition Minerals Co-Chair, Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko, says it is important for multinational companies to engage in a frank discussion in relation to Africas minerals and beneficiation.
She says human rights must be respected by energy companies.
These companies are in a country that is founded on human rights. They understand the game of human rights. It doesnt really frighten them. They just need certainty and clarity on how to proceed. But there is no reason why South Africa should not benefit maximally from this way. I think what I note on their mandate their objective is job creation we speak to justice and equity that is at the heart of the report. So anything that moves in that direction for me I support that, she says.
