When a Nation Forgets: Why Public Memory is Sacred

By Noku Katom

“Then the Israelites forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals…”— Judges 3:7

There is something sacred about remembering.

And there is something dangerous about forgetting.

In South Africa, we are slowly becoming a people who forget — not because we are ungrateful, but because we are distracted. We enjoy the long weekends, the braais, and the public holidays. But what about the meaning? What about the memory? What about the story behind the sacrifice?

When I heard someone laugh and say, “South Africa has too many public holidays,” something rose within me. I didn’t take it personally — but I took it spiritually. That comment reminded me of the cost that’s been buried under convenience. And that’s when God reminded me of the Israelites.

Stones of Remembrance

In Joshua 4, God commanded the Israelites to place 12 stones by the Jordan River — not for decoration, but for remembrance. So that one day, when their children asked, “What do these stones mean?” they would tell the story of God’s faithfulness and deliverance.

Public memory is not about holding onto the past — it’s about giving direction to the future.

And in South Africa, our stones are days like Youth Day, Heritage Day, and Day of Reconciliation. But if we don’t teach their meaning… we will lose their message.

What the Bible Teaches About Memory

The Bible constantly reminds us to “remember the Lord,” “teach your children,” and “never forget.”

Why?
Because forgetting leads to confusion. And confusion leads to compromise.

When we forget our spiritual foundations and national struggles, we lose our direction — and worse, we lose our identity.

But remembering is holy. Remembering is worship. Remembering is healing.

Introducing: #StonesOfRemembranceSA

That’s why I’ve launched a movement called Stones of Remembrance SA.

It’s a platform where we will:

• Revisit the real meanings of our public holidays

• Tell the stories of our national and spiritual heroes

• Reflect on identity, purpose, and God’s heart for South Africa

• Reclaim the link between past, present, and future

I will share every Monday in June, starting with Youth Month, and I’m inviting others — from different perspectives — to walk with me.

Why This Matters

Because if we forget where we came from, we won’t know where we’re going.
Because South Africa still carries the call of justice, freedom, and faith.
Because I believe God loves this land — and He remembers.

So must we.

Let us become a nation that remembers. Let us raise stones that tell the story. Let us speak life into our history — so the next generation may live with vision.

Want to join the movement?
Follow the hashtag #StonesOfRemembranceSA
Comment below. Share your story. Invite someone into the conversation.

“So that the next generation would know…” – Psalm 78:6