Honour Unsung Heroes this Heritage Day with Free Entry at the Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope is celebrating Heritage Month by honouring the unsung heroes of our past this Heritage Day with this year's national theme: "Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom."

This year's 2025 Heritage Day programme invites all to an inclusive, accessible, and intergenerational journey by reflecting the diversity of South Africa's people, culture, and, most importantly, our heritages.

This year's theme aims to elevate the stories of South Africans who fought for justice and equality, particularly those who were forced into exile under apartheid and later died in foreign countries, as many of these men and women remain unnamed in official histories. Filling silences with remembrance, storytelling, and recognition. 

A Historic Space Reimagined

For decades, the Castle of Good Hope was a prolific symbol and station for Dutch and British colonial rule.

However, in recent years, the historic landmark has undergone what Chief Executive Officer Calvyn Gilfellan describes as a "deep, transformative, and decolonial process as the Castle has developed from a monument to power into a space for truth-telling and healing".

An Inclusive Public Programme

Happening from 9am to 4pm, the Khoi and San Festival will highlight heritage through music, dance, and indigenous cuisine, and the Castle Key Ceremony and Cannon Firing, planned for 10am 12pm, intends to repurpose colonial areas such as the Castle for public memory.

King Langalibalele, who was at the forefront of resisting colonialism, will be honoured by the AmaHlubi Royal House at 11am. 

At noon, a discussion with Luthuli Military Veterans will be held, delving into the significance of the 1955 Freedom Charter. Also at noon, a Spirituality Workshop explores the role of ritual and belief in resistance movements.

The day concludes with the 1pm launch of From District 6 to Antarctica by Mustakim Gerdien. Gerdien's memoir is of displacement, resilience, and global exploration.

This year, the focus for Heritage Day is on honouring those who fought for freedom but whose names aren't in the history books.

We're remembering those who were forced into exile during apartheid and died far from home. By coming together for remembrance, storytelling, and recognition, the Castle aims to fill in those silent gaps in our history.

IOL