REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA 352. The Department of Science and Technology’s National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office (NIKSO) has received international recognition for its innovation in enhancing indigenous knowledge systems in the country. Heritage 353. The DAC declared 2012 the year of heritage in order to increase focus on preserving and promoting our country’s cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on our liberation heritage. Specifically, the sacrifices and contributions of some of the heroes and heroines of our struggle for national liberation were celebrated. Significant progress has been made in implementing the twenty-nine heritage projects across the country. These include the completion of the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg in the Eastern Cape, the opening of the museum component of Freedom Park, the building of a road linking Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument, the completion of the Ncome Museum in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and the Matola Monument and Museum in Mozambique. Progress with refurbishing the former President of the ANC, O.R. Tambo’s, homestead in Bizana and with building an interpreting centre. We have also developed policies on living heritage, Under Water Cultural Heritage, Digitisation and Human Resources Development strategies for heritage. 354. The National Heritage Council of South Africa is a statutory body that is responsible for the preservation of the country’s heritage. Since its inception in February 2004, it has managed to place heritage as a priority for nation building and national identity. The important areas that the NHC focuses on are policy development for the sector to meet its transformation goals, public awareness and education, knowledge production in heritage subjects that were previously neglected, including the funding of projects that place heritage as a socio-economic resource. The South African Heritage Resources Agency is a statutory organisation established under the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999201 as the national administrative body responsible for the protection of South Africa’s cultural heritage. The Act follows the principle that heritage resources should be managed by the levels of government closest to the community. Language 355. 201 The promulgation of the Pan Language South African Board Act of 1995 has been applied in South African cultural and language communities so as to protect and promote their indigenous languages. It takes into account the broad acceptance of linguistic diversity, social justice, the principle of equal access to public services and programmes, and respect for language rights. This is indicative of the integration of indigenous peoples which South Africa seeks to achieve through the recognition of the multiple cultures and linguistic communities who all live in South Africa. Act No. 25 of 1999 101