LIFESTYLE SHOW: DR THABO MANETSI — CEO OF THE NATIONAL HERITAGE COUNCIL

In this thought-provoking episode of The Lifestyle Show, host Arthur Mafokate sits down with Dr Thabo Manetsi, the CEO of the National Heritage Council (NHC). Born and raised in Dobsonville, Soweto, Dr Manetsi takes us on a journey through his humble beginnings, artistic roots, and the powerful role of sculpture and visual art in shaping South Africa’s cultural identity. He unpacks the distinction between culture and heritage, reflects on the importance of protest artists during apartheid, and discusses the NHC’s mission to preserve, promote, transform and educate communities. Dr Manetsi also speaks on the importance of making history accessible, working with financial institutions to uplift cultural initiatives, and the value of heritage sites and icons in shaping national pride. Don’t miss this episode that looks into what it truly means to own and live your heritage in a democratic South Africa Highlights of Topics Discussed • The impact of artists like Gerard Sekoto and Ernest Mancoba • What differentiates culture from heritage • Why sculpture became his life’s passion • His thoughts on the "Mandelasation" of post-apartheid South Africa • Why some historical legacies, like Sikhukhuni’s, are absent in the education system • The role of NHC and why collaboration is key • Reflections on the R25 million flag monument debate • How financial institutions are stepping into cultural preservation • The role of traditional leaders (kings/chiefs) in culture • Challenges with underfunding and government support for heritage • Use of the National Living Heritage Inventory to document icons Tune in: Wednesday, 24 July 2025 | 7 PM 📍 YouTube and Facebook: The Lifestyle League Follow The Lifestyle League: YouTube/Facebook/WhatsApp – The Lifestyle League IG/Threads/TikTok – @life. styleleague X - @_styleleague www.lifestyleleague.co.za #LifestylePodcast #LifestyleShow #ArthurMafokate #ThaboManetsi #NationalHeritageCouncil