Heritage projects get a boost

Sport, arts and culture

A statutory body falling under the Department of Arts and Culture, the National Heritage Council’s vision is to build a nation proud of its African heritage.

If you have a heritage project that promotes nation building and South Africa’s national identity, you may qualify for funding from the National Heritage Council (NHC).

As well as funding projects that make heritage a socio-economic resource, the NHC plays an important role in raising public awareness and knowledge of heritage subjects, especially those that were previously neglected.

Its mission is to transform, protect and promote South African heritage for sustainable development. Stella Ndhlazi, programme manager for grant funding, said the NHC makes grants available to any person, organisation or institution committed to promoting and developing national heritage activities and resources.

“We generally support, nurture and develop access to institutions and programmes that promote and bring equity to heritage management.”

Applicants may only make submissions once a year. The 2018 application process opened in November and will close at the end of January 2018.

Ndhlazi said adverts will be placed in both print and electronic media.

One of the programmes funded by the NHC is the South End Museum in the Eastern Cape, which developed a Khoi-San booklet through workshops with the communities and the Khoi-San Clan.

Ndhlazi said NGOs, NPOs, foundations, associations, education institutions, Section 21 not-for-gain companies and heritage practitioners can apply for funding. Organisations that qualify for funding but do not have the necessary compliance documents must be willing to be administered or partner with qualifying
organisations.  

For more information, applicants can visit: www.nhc.org.za or call the NHC on 012 348 1663 between 08:00 and 16:00 on weekdays