Cape Heritage Museum Clinches Prestigious National Heritage Council Award

Nestled within the historic walls of the Castle of Good Hope, the Cape Heritage Museum has added another feather to their cap by securing the National Heritage Council (NHC) award. This recognition is allocated for their relentless perseverance in contributing to social cohesion through education initiatives. The highly esteemed Golden Shield Heritage Awards were hosted at the Artscape Theatre in this year's 10th edition.

The annual awards, established by the National Heritage Council of South Africa, are aimed at acknowledging the integral part heritage plays in fostering community development and promoting social unity. An array of categories were included in the 2023 awards, ranging from Preferred Heritage Destination to Heritage Social Media Influencer, and indeed, Heritage Education, of which the Cape Heritage Museum emerged victorious.

The museum, founded and curated by Igshaan Higgins, achieved esteem for its unique contributions and profound impact in the heritage sector. "The Golden Shield Heritage Award symbolizes our commitment to excellence in providing educational experiences that honor and preserve our abundant cultural heritage," remarked a proud Higgins.

The award-winning Cape Heritage Museum, founded under the trying times of Covid-19, has hosted a myriad of programs exposing the works of local and unrecognized cultural artists. In the prior year, it was recognized in the category of Preferred Heritage Destination.

Higgins further articulated the museum’s continuous endeavours in educating and enlightening the public about the importance of South African heritage, pushing towards a socially united future. The museum's diverse collection of over 1,000 artefacts, statues, portraits, paintings, and photographs echoes the stories of significant individuals who have left an enduring imprint on the nation's history.

Simone Heradien, Artscape spokesperson, expressed her honour in hosting the Golden Shields Heritage Awards, applauding the commendable South Africans for their role in preserving and promoting the diverse heritage of the nation.