Crafting Authenticity: Heritage Officials’ Perspectives on Cultural Experiences at South Africa's Liberation Sites

Authenticity is widely recognized as a core principle in cultural heritage tourism, underpinning meaningful visitor experiences and the long-term sustainability of heritage sites. Despite extensive academic debate, research has predominantly focused on visitor (demand-side) perspectives, overlooking the role of institutional actors in shaping authenticity. Addressing this gap and contributing to a growing body of international supply-side scholarship, this study empirically examines authenticity from the perspective of heritage officials at liberation heritage sites in South Africa. Using thematic content analysis, five interrelated themes were identified: architectural restoration and site integrity, preservation of original physical features, accurate historical representation, aesthetic appreciation, and emotive and narrative connections. The findings reveal that authenticity is not merely an experiential outcome but a deliberately managed, multidimensional construct embedded in material preservation, narrative accuracy, and interpretive practices. By foregrounding heritage officials as key agents in constructing and mediating authenticity, the study advances supply-side authenticity theory. Practically, the results highlight the importance of a balanced, context-sensitive approach to authenticity, which enhances interpretive credibility, strengthens visitor engagement, and supports more sustainable and distinctive heritage tourism strategies.