Heritage Day allows us the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as one nation, a collective of diverse cultures, religions and race groups, and gives us a day to celebrate our unique and wonderful heritage. We have travelled this journey together, and there is much that is shared in our hearts: hopes, worries, and dreams for a better future for ourselves and those around us.

We are fortunate to live in a City and a country, which celebrates our many unique and diverse communities. Another example of this tolerance and diversity is the co-existence of inter-faith groups in Cape Town and South Africa. While the past 18 months have been incredibly challenging, on this Heritage Day let us remember all that brings us closer together, and not that which separates us. Let us always remember the possibilities envisioned and the unifying dream of our first democratic president, Mr Nelson Mandela.

As a City administration, we have done everything possible to help ease the burden on those impacted financially by the pandemic through the various forms of relief measures, financial assistance and support programmes. We have come a long way over the past 18 months of the global Covid-19 pandemic and have seen many of our residents and local businesses play their part in helping those in need. It is this common goal of compassion that lives within our communities and is a vital part of our society.

Part of honouring our heritage, tolerance and kindness should be ensuring that we continue to consider our fellow Capetonians. One significant way we can do this is by ensuring we get vaccinated.
The more people who are vaccinated, the sooner it means life can return to relative normality. I’m sure all of us would like to experience 2022 with a fully reopened economy, and recover the jobs lost due to Covid-19 in the various industries such as the tourism sector and others.

If you have concerns or hesitancy about getting the vaccine, I encourage you to consult with your GP and to engage with family members or friends on their experiences of getting vaccinated.
Happy Heritage Day!

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