Northern Cape set for vibrant Heritage Day celebration in Upington

THE NORTHERN Cape is gearing up for a colourful celebration of unity, culture, and history as the province commemorates Heritage Day 2025 in Upington.

On Wednesday, September 24, the Robert Gunda Stadium in Paballelo will host the official provincial Heritage Day event, led by Premier Zamani Saul. Running from 8am to 3pm, the day promises a full programme designed to honour the rich diversity of traditions and identities that define the Northern Cape.

This year’s commemoration carries the theme “Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era”, highlighting the need to reflect on how cultural and heritage institutions can evolve to remain relevant in modern society. Saul will deliver the keynote address, joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), the executive mayor of Dawid Kruiper Municipality, and the executive mayor of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality.

According to the provincial government, the day is intended as “a vibrant celebration of unity, inclusion, and the evolving role of heritage institutions in modern society”.

The programme will open with a symbolic act of restorative justice — the renaming of Schroder Street to Alfred Qhayiso Gubula Street. The change reflects a broader effort to transform public spaces and honour figures who have made lasting contributions to the province’s history.

The official Heritage Day ceremony will follow, offering a space to celebrate cultural diversity and unity while reflecting on the significance of heritage in the 21st century.

Another highlight will be the launch of the 2025 Northern Cape Provincial Indigenous Games. Saul will officially open the games immediately after the ceremony. Running from September 24 to 26, the event showcases traditional games that serve as a living expression of heritage, fostering intergenerational learning and strengthening cultural pride.

Heritage Day has long been a moment of collective pride across South Africa, but in the Northern Cape, the commemorations also serve as a reminder of the province’s unique blend of cultures and traditions. From indigenous practices to shared histories, the day provides a platform for residents to come together and celebrate what unites them.

As the Robert Gunda Stadium fills with song, dance, and the sounds of traditional games, the 2025 Heritage Day celebration in Upington is expected to stand out as one of the most vibrant gatherings of the year — a reminder that heritage is not just about the past, but about shaping a more inclusive future.