Legislation and Policies National Symbols
The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) aims to contribute to sustainable economic development and enhance job creation by preserving, protecting and developing South African arts, culture and heritage to sustain a socially cohesive and democratic nation. The department is mandated to: • develop and promote arts and culture in South Africa, and mainstream its role in social development • develop and promote the official languages of South Africa, and enhance the linguistic diversity of the country • improve economic and other development opportunities for South African arts and culture nationally and globally through mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the sector • develop and monitor the implementation of policy, legislation and strategic direction for the identification, conservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The DAC aims to increase interactions across all races, foster constitutional values, and encourage equal opportunities, inclusion and redress. Legislation and policies The DAC derives its mandate from the following legislation: • Heraldry Act, 1962 (Act 18 of 1962). • Culture Promotion Act, 1983 (Act 35 of 1983). • National Archives and Record Service of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 43 of 1996). • Legal Deposit Act, 1997 (Act 54 of 1997). • South African Geographical Names Council Act, 1998 (Act 118 of 1998). • Cultural Institutions Act, 1998 (Act 119 of 1998). • National Council for Library and Information Act, 2001 (Act 6 of 2001). • National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999). • Use of Official Languages Act, 2012 (Act 12 of 2012). National symbols Animal: Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) The springbok’s common name is derived from its characteristic jumping display. It is the only southern African gazelle and is fairly widespread in open, dry bush, grasslands or riverbeds near water.
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