Times Of Swaziland: PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
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 Future leader, SwatiBOY on 17/02/2025 07:49:00


Sir,
I write with a deep sense of concern about the gradual erosion of Eswatini’s
rich cultural heritage. From ancient rock art to vibrant traditional ceremonies,
from intricate handicrafts to captivating storytelling, our cultural expressions
are a precious inheritance passed down through generations. Yet, we risk losing
these invaluable treasures if we do not take immediate and concerted action to
preserve and promote them. Our culture is not merely a collection of artifacts
and traditions; it is the very essence of who we are as emaSwati. It shapes our
identity, connects us to our ancestors and provides a foundation for our future.
It is a source of pride, a wellspring of creativity and a vital part of our
national identity. To lose our culture is to lose a part of ourselves.
Contribute
Several factors contribute to the decline of our cultural heritage.
Globalisation and modernisation, while offering many benefits, can also lead to
the assimilation of cultures and the abandonment of traditional practices.
Economic pressures can force individuals to prioritise survival over the
preservation of cultural traditions. And a lack of awareness and appreciation
among younger generations can lead to the gradual fading of cultural knowledge
and skills. We cannot afford to stand idly by while our cultural heritage
disappears. We must take proactive steps to protect and promote our cultural
treasures for the benefit of present and future generations. This requires a
multi-faceted approach, involving government, cultural institutions, communities
and individuals.
Role
Government has a crucial role to play in providing funding, developing policies
and creating a supportive environment for cultural preservation. We need to
strengthen our cultural institutions, such as museums, libraries and archives,
ensuring that they have the resources and expertise to preserve and showcase our
cultural heritage. We need to support community-based initiatives that promote
traditional arts and crafts, music, dance and storytelling. Cultural
institutions also have a vital role to play in documenting, researching and
interpreting our cultural heritage. They can organise exhibitions, workshops,
and educational programmes to raise awareness and appreciation among the public.
They can work with communities to preserve traditional knowledge and skills,
ensuring that they are passed down to younger generations. Communities
themselves are the custodians of our cultural heritage. They are the ones who
practice the traditions and tell the stories. We need to empower communities to
take ownership of their cultural heritage and support their efforts to preserve
and promote it. This means providing them with the resources, training, and
support they need to document their traditions, revitalise their crafts and
transmit their knowledge to younger generations. Individuals also have a
responsibility to contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage.
We can learn about our traditions, support local artisans and participate in
cultural events.
We can share our stories with our children and grandchildren, ensuring that they
are connected to their cultural roots. We can also advocate for the protection
of our cultural heritage and support organisations that are working to preserve
it. Preserving our cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it
is also about investing in the future. Our culture is a source of inspiration, a
driver of creativity and a foundation for innovation. By preserving our cultural
heritage, we are creating a vibrant and dynamic society that is rooted in its
past and open to the future. Let us rise up maSwati.