Gauteng celebrations begin today with Khotsong, a healing ceremony organised by the SA Council of Churches and traditional healers, at Freedom Park in Tshwane.

Sowetans will enjoy one of the biggest celebrations of the weekend with the Soweto Festival. The festival, organised by the City of Johannesburg, will feature Soweto Traditional Dancers, Zulu Boy, marimba dance, gospel music and motivational speakers.

Entrance fee is R20 for adults and R10 for children and pensioners. Celebrations will run until Sunday.

The Free State will celebrate Heritage Day at the Ficksburg showgrounds where Premier Ace Magashule, representatives from Lesotho and the House of Traditional Leaders from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape will be among the dignitaries. The programme will showcase the province’s cultural groups through music, food and attire.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will grace the event at the Ntwampe Sports Grounds in the Greater Tubatse Municipality.

Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana and Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale will also attend the celebrations that begin at 9am.

The Department of Arts and Culture has themed this years celebrations “Celebrating South African Craft: Our Heritage”.

North West premier Maureen Modiselle will deliver her keynote address at Moruleng stadium in the Moses Kotane municipality. Celebrations will start at 9am.

Durban celebrates Heritage Day at the ICC with a music festival that will feature Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri, Johnny Clegg and Oliver Mtukudzi.