Heritage of South Africa

Just how miraculous was SA's transition from apartheid to democracy? How close did we come to civil war? Check out our press clipping snapshots of the 72 days leading up to Nelson Mandela's inauguration as President in 1994 - and see how heavily the odds were stacked against the rainbow nation. South Africa's public holiday known as the Day of Reconciliation acknowledges the significance of 16 December to both the Afrikaner and liberation struggle traditions. A day once steeped in blood, the public holiday now marks a time for reflection and recognition of the country's rich cultural history. It is a day violently etched on the South African collective conscience. Commemorated over 30 years later as Youth Day, an official holiday, it is the day that honours the deaths of hundreds of Soweto schoolchildren, a day that changed the course of the country's history: 16 June 1976. As South Africa marks 21 years of freedom in April, the country finds itself deep in conversation about issues of heritage and history much of it sparked by the removal of the statue of Rhodes from UCT's campus. But there are many other monuments that pay homage to those who fought against oppression. Here is our list of 21 unforgettable heroes. Here are the 2002 winners of the National Orders - the highest honour that South Africa can bestow on its citizens and foreigners.

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Select from: New ways of teaching history, new insight into South Africa's past. >Whatever shape our flag takes, it's instantly recognised by South Africans everywhere. >Uniting two anthems, five languages and over 49-million people. >What's that image on your R5 coin? What does mean? (Whose language is that?) ... Find out more about one of the great moral and political leaders of our time. >

Eight World Heritage sites: places of "outstanding value to humanity". >

TFrom galleries to rock art centres, museums to cultural villages - discover our rich heritage for yourself. >

Just how "miraculous" was our transition to democracy? How close did we really come to civil war? Check out some press clippings of the 72 days leading up to SA's first democratic elections - and see how heavily the odds were stacked against "the rainbow nation". >