Special Collections

Heritage Day- September 24, 2024

Heritage Day in South Africa, celebrated annually on September 24th, is a day dedicated to honoring the diverse cultural heritage that shapes the nation. It encourages all South Africans to recognize and embrace the rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and histories that contribute to the country's unique identity. On this day, people across the nation celebrate by wearing traditional attire, sharing cultural foods, and engaging in activities that reflect their cultural backgrounds, promoting unity in diversity.

This year's theme for Heritage Day focuses on "Celebrating Our Shared Roots." It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the commonalities that bind South Africans together, despite their diverse cultural backgrounds. The theme encourages reflection on how shared experiences, histories, and values can foster a sense of national unity. By celebrating these shared roots, the day aims to inspire a collective commitment to building a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Special Collections

The mission of Special Collections is to support UWC in fulfilling its research, teaching and learning goals by collecting, preserving and making accessible primary resource material of unique and enduring research value to graduates, faculty and other researchers.

UWC Special Collections focus on the history of or activities within the Western Cape including works dealing with Cape Flats, San and District Six as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Items outside of the focus area maybe included on condition that the item complements or adds value to books already in the collection.

The collection holds a valuable assortment of books and pamphlets, which are a mine of information for researchers in particular South African socio-political history areas. Regular evaluation ensures the collections remain aligned with changes in focus or priorities of the University and its research community.