Deputy Speaker, hon Fransman, one of the ways in which government is endeavouring to instil patriotism, nation-building and a sense of respect for the unsung heroes and heroines who contributed to liberating South Africa is through the national legacy projects of the Department of Arts and Culture. These projects specifically support the development of new commemorative structures in the form of museums and monuments such as the Freedom Park Museum that consists of a memorial, interactive museum and Garden of Remembrance.
The Garden of Remembrance coherently narrates the journey of our humanity, survival and struggle for freedom and dignity. It reminds us of our struggle for land and resources, and of how these struggles have shaped our economic, political, social, cultural and historical landscape as a nation. The Freedom Park memorial facilitates the communal process of commemorating the pain and celebrating the victories of the past.
The Wall of Names, that accommodates a total of 120 000 names, currently has 75 names of fallen heroes and heroines inscribed on it. The Eternal Flame comprises a circular wall within which is nestled a flame surrounded by water. This flame symbolises eternity, and therefore, the monument pays tribute to the eternal remembrance of the heroes, both male and female, who perished without their names being recorded.
By preserving the memory of the fallen victims of previous wars, slavery, colonialism and racism, and by honouring the heroes and heroines of the apartheid struggle, we are essentially strengthening our unity as a nation. We are acknowledging our heritage, and this park is a reflection of the sacrificial achievements of our nation, thus ensuring that our children never forget those who gave their lives so that we could have our rights, freedom as well as social and cultural diversity.
Civil society comprising ordinary South Africans, political organisations, civil society groups and community organisations played a role in the memorial, particularly in identifying the names of the fallen heroes and heroines. However, more can be done, particularly at local, provincial and municipal level in commemorating our unsung heroes and heroines. It is, however, important that we use this process to build unity and to commemorate a shared history which we are all part of. I thank you.