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03 September 2003: No 61/03
HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS
The dawn of spring is once more upon us. The DOD is once
again reminded that, it is again September, a month to celebrate, as the
Heritage Month.
Heritage Month Theme
The theme for this year is "National Symbols". The
cornerstones of this year’s Heritage Month Celebrations are the following
symbols:
- National Anthem
- National Flag
- Coat of Arms
- National Assembly
- The Presidency
- Constitutional Court
Promote Reconciliation
National symbols are defined in terms of the Constitution and
are meant to promote reconciliation and nation building.
In the founding provisions of the constitution it is stated
that the Republic of South Africa is a sovereign democratic state founded on the
following values:
Human dignity, achievement of equality, advancement of human
rights and freedoms, non-racialism and non- sexism, the supremacy of the
constitution and the rule of law, universal adult suffrage, national common
voters roll, regular elections, and the multiplicity system of democratic
government to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.
Declaration
The purpose of declaring September as Heritage Month is to
create a platform that provides and gives tangible expression and symbolism to
the adopted theme.
Activities of the Month
The month of September will be characterised by the holding
of Imbizo style activities with members of communities, to educate and engage
the South African public so as to recognise, cherish and be aware of the proper
use of our national symbols.
Heritage Day Celebrations
The Heritage Day celebrations will take place on the 24
September 2003 in Pretoria, at the Union Buildings gardens.
SANDF Role
The SANDF participation in the celebration of Heritage Day
will primarily consist of two types ceremonial activities:
- Three flag hosting parades on the Wednesdays of the 3rd, 10th
and 17th September at 10:00, supported by the NCG and a band at
Church Square.
- A Heritage Day Parade on the 24th September 2003 at 11:00 at
the Union Buildings. The Chief of the Air Force, Lt Gen Roelf Beukes, will
on behalf of Chief SANDF be responsible for the general SANDF coordination.
DOD Members
All DOD members, both Public Service Act Personnel (PSAP) and Defence Act
Personnel (DAP) are encouraged to attend all these celebration activities.
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