What determines heritage worthy of preservation? That’s been a question pervading the globe. In the United States, statues of Confederate figures were targeted as being symbols of oppression. In South Africa, statues of Cecil John Rhodes have also drawn the anger of activists calling for them to be removed, and / or destroyed. However, there is an argument that heritage and history cannot be erased, and that even symbols of oppression should be preserved. South Africa is participating in a global meeting to further reflect on the operationalization of the concept of sites associated with memories of recent conflicts within the framework of the World Heritage Convention in Africa.

To further discuss the need for this kind of dialogue, NRA spoke to the African World Heritage Fund Executive Director, Mr Souayibou Varissou…