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LEARNERS’
ACTIVITIES STEP 1
Read the information regarding Nation-building and Cultural Heritage
STEP 2
Complete Activity 1: Translate the National Anthem into English
STEP 3
Complete Activity 2: National Flag and Coat of Arms
STEP 4
Complete Activity 3: National Days
Informal
Nation-building and cultural heritage informal activities
Assessment
Nation-building is a term used to describe the process of creating a national common identity – a
feeling that everyone in the country belongs to one big family. Nation-building usually occurs when a
country is being ‘rebuilt’ after a war or some other event has broken the country down. In the case of
South Africa, when apartheid was abolished, the government had a duty to build a new national
identity – one based on equality and mutual respect. Nation-building should develop a feeling of
belonging and, with it, accountability and responsible behaviour.
South Africa is a land of many different cultures. People speak different languages, have different
religions and come from different backgrounds. In order to make sure that South Africa becomes
economically and socially successful it is necessary for its citizens to have a shared identity – a common
‘South Africanness’. Think about the soccer world cup and how our different cultures united behind
Bafana Bafana – we were all South Africans.
Cultural heritage is everything that people in a country have inherited from past generations. This
includes things like buildings, art, books, monuments, languages, customs, traditions and knowledge.
People can have a family heritage (practices and traditions that are passed on from parents to children)
as well as a national heritage (practices and places unique to a particular country).
In order to unify our nation, we need to know about our nation’s history. We need to be proud of all
the rich traditions, music and art of all South Africans. We can learn about our nation’s history by doing
things such as: Going to museums; Reading books; Talking to adults about the past and; Participating in
events such as Heritage Day celebrations. One of South Africa’s strongest nation-building tools is the
National Anthem. It combines different cultures and music styles to show that we are a united nation.
Activity 1
Translate the South African National Anthem into English.
National Symbols
National symbols are things like places, objects, activities or people that are unique1 to a particular
nation and are used to represent a community in a way that unites its people. These national symbols
are used in national events and celebrations to inspire patriotism. They are designed to include every
member of that particular nation, regardless of colour, age or culture. National symbols can be visual
(the national flower), verbal (the national anthem) or iconic (the flag).
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2.4 Study the coat of arms of South Africa. Name the different parts and what they symbolise.
National Celebrations
South Africans celebrate a number of national days so that they can remember important
events in the history of our country or to show respect for important ideas and ideals.
In South Africa, Arbor Day is celebrated for an entire week. South Africans celebrate Arbor
Day from 1–7 September. Usually, the Government chooses two trees to highlight and
increase public awareness of indigenous trees. Various "greening" activities are usually
undertaken by schools, businesses and other organisations.
ACTIVITY 3
Give the date for each of these public holidays. Also describe why these days are celebrated.