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ICH SEMINAR

South Africa’s ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage marks a significant shift in the national heritage governance landscape. The National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) defines “living heritage” but does not explicitly recognise it as a Heritage Resource forming part of the national estate. This has left the operationalisation of ICH within SAHRA’s regulatory, policy and institutional framework underdeveloped and unclear, with unresolved conceptual overlaps between living heritage, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Amasiko and ICH. There is a need for a shared understanding on the definition, scope and regulatory implications of ICH, and on SAHRA’s role relative to other tiers of government. This seminar brings together SAHRA, the Heritage Management Committee, provincial and local heritage authorities and external experts to build this shared understanding.

Outcomes

An agreed working definition of ICH for SAHRA; a clarified interpretation of SAHRA’s mandate in relation to ICH; identification of legislative and policy gaps; a strategic roadmap for implementation; a framework for community engagement; and greater coherence in SAHRA’s deliberations on ICH-related matters.

Details of the Seminar

Format: Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person)

Date: 14 – 15 October 2026

Time: 08:30 – 16:00

Venue: Iziko South African Museum