Heritage in words: books that keep SA’‘s story alive

SEPTEMBER is Heritage Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the traditions, languages and stories that shape the nation’s identity

- LUTHO PASIYA

While celebrations often highlight music, food, dance and clothing, books remain one of the strongest mediums for exploring heritage.

Literature gives readers a deeper understanding of history, struggle and possibility.

Books preserve oral traditions, document resistance and imagine futures.

They connect generations to the pain of the past and the hope of the present. Classics remind us where we have been, while new works reveal where we are going.

Below are books that capture different aspects of South African heritage and deserve attention this month.

I Write What I Like by Steve Biko

Steve Biko’s collection of essays is central to the philosophy of Black Consciousness.

Written in the 1970s, the pieces challenge systems of oppression and emphasise the importance of African identity and pride.

Biko’s voice continues to resonate more than four decades after his death.

Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog

Antjie Krog’s work documents the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, one of the most significant chapters in South African history.

Combining personal observation, testimony and poetry, the book captures the emotional and political weight of truth-telling after apartheid.

Krog examines guilt, forgiveness and memory, showing how reconciliation remains a central part of SA’ story. Reading it during this month reminds us that heritage is not only about celebration but also about reckoning with pain and seeking healing.