The Kramat of Sheikh Yusuf in Macassar is set to become a national heritage site along with nine other Kramats, or shrines, in the country.
This was the Heritage Day message from ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, who was in Macassar on Monday to celebrate the public holiday, reports the Cape Argus.
Duarte said Islam and the Kramats played a significant role in South Africa’s history, adding that the process to declare their heritage status should be completed by April next year.
“One thing you cannot remove is our heritage. We came from all walks of life and we have to recognise that. Islam has taught us many things.
“We must recognise Islam as important and we are leading the project to declare this and several other Kramats as heritage sites.
“We want this project done by next April. This Kramat holds a significant part of our history.
“This place represents the slaves, and with District Six and the Bo-Kaap, represent the marginalised.”
The historic Kramat is one of the South African Muslim community’s holiest places.
The sheikh, who was exiled by the Dutch in 1694, came to Strand, near Macassar, although his followers moved
further along the coast.
After the death of Sheikh Yusuf, the followers named the place after his place of birth.
A representative of the national Arts and Culture Department, Irwin Langeveld, said the process to declare the Kramat a heritage site was moving swiftly.