Heritage Day venue moved twice as Western Cape and national governments clash over planning - IOL
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn.
A last minute scramble over South Africa's national Heritage Day celebration has sparked a row between national and Western Cape governments after the event was shifted twice before finally landing in Oudtshoorn.
The celebration was initially planned for KwaZulu-Natal before being moved to George, where the Presidency announced as recently as Monday that Ramaphosa would address the celebration at Rosemoor Stadium.
By Tuesday, George was out and Bongolethu Sport Stadium in Oudtshoorn was the new venue.
DA Western Cape spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport Benedicta van Minnen has called on Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and his department to account for the expenditure incurred during the relocation of the national celebration and the consultation that took place.
No figure for the cost of the venue changes has been publicly disclosed.
The Western Cape Government said it was informed only on Saturday, September 19, 2026, that the national celebration would be moved to the province, giving authorities five days to prepare before Heritage Day.
It questioned what had happened to preparations and expenditure already incurred in KwaZulu-Natal and why provincial and local authorities had not been properly consulted.
McKenzie’s department said the event was moved from KwaZulu-Natal after discussions with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the provincial government.
It said the decision was taken to allow the annual uMkhosi weLembe commemoration to have its own platform.
The department then considered George but said the municipality and provincial government were “unable and unwilling” to make the necessary arrangements at short notice.
The Western Cape Government disputes that characterisation, saying an event of this scale requires planning for security, infrastructure, municipal services and personnel.
Oudtshoorn subsequently accepted the event despite receiving even less notice.
Up to 5,000 people can attend Thursday’s celebration at Bongolethu Sport Stadium, where Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address.
