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Media Statement: The Commission calls for Social Harmony in the country as South Africa observes the 2025 Heritage Day

Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) calls for social harmony in the country as South Africa the 2025 Heritage Day festivities get underway. The Commission urges members of society to cultivate a culture of social tolerance and harmony while observing this year’s Heritage Day.

Heritage Day plays a pivotal role in promotion of national unity, as well as forging a path of inclusivity, just, equal, prosperous South Africa. A society that is alive to the observance of human rights and cultural heritage, presented in traditional attires, foods, gatherings, and language promotion.

This significant day aims to remind South Africans of the importance of acknowledging and recognising each cultural compliment in appreciation of the country’s diversity. A cultural tolerant South Africa will live in harmony and curb social hatred based on cultural backgrounds and/or origin.

Social harmony begins with a provision of running water and clinics in rural communities, adequate housing in rural households and informal settlements, consistent service delivery by municipalities, reliable scholar transport, eradication of pit latrines at schools, curbing crime and building safe communities with police visibility.

A culture of human rights and love must be directly proportional to equal and meaningful economic participation through secure-decent jobs and business opportunities. A society that is characteriesed by reliable service delivery and decent life for all citizens, with proper roads for supplies and service to access every quarter of society with ease, including remote communities. Wishing the nation a joyful and violent free Heritage Day.

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

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