Preparations for the national Heritage Day celebration in South Africa were marked by hurried changes, causing conflict between the national and Western Cape governments after the event was moved twice before finally being confirmed in Oudtshoorn.
Initially, the holiday was planned for KwaZulu-Natal, but it was then moved to George. It was there that the Presidency announced on Monday that Ramaphosa would deliver a speech at the Rosemoor stadium. However, by Tuesday, George was excluded from the list, and the new venue became the Bongolethu sports facility in Oudtshoorn.
Who will bear the costs?
Benedicta van Minnen, the DA representative for culture and sport in the Western Cape, demanded that Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Geyton Mackenzie, and his department explain the costs incurred during the relocation of the national celebration and the consultations held.
The specific amount of costs for changing the location was not disclosed. The Western Cape government stated that it learned about the relocation of the national holiday to the province only on Saturday, September 19, 2026, leaving authorities with only five days to prepare before Heritage Day. They questioned what happened to the preparations and expenses already incurred in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as why provincial and local authorities were not properly consulted.
Municipality could not help
Mackenzie's department reported that the event was moved from KwaZulu-Natal following discussions with King Misuzulu kaZwelitini and the provincial government. It was decided to provide the annual uMkhosi Welembe celebration with its own venue.
Subsequently, the department considered the option of George, but stated that the municipality and provincial government were 'incapable and unwilling' to organize the necessary events within such a short timeframe. The Western Cape government disputes this characterization, arguing that an event of this magnitude requires thorough planning regarding security, infrastructure, municipal services, and personnel. Nevertheless, Oudtshoorn ultimately accepted the event, despite receiving even less notice. Up to 5000 people can attend the celebration at the Bongolethu sports stadium on Thursday, where Ramaphosa is expected to give a keynote speech.