Due to the variety of cultures housed by the South African border, on this day we learn about other people’s ways of living, while simultaneously teaching them ours. On this day, our Ubuntu thickens our unity, and we learn to co-exist, and find ways to merge our cultural ways with the modern way of living.
It is through heritage, that historical events that play a significant role in molding us, are brought to the present in various creative ways.
The George Campus students decided to revive such events through fashion, songs, dance and the reciting of clan names to stamp their presence on the Western Cape grounds. The Nguni, Sotho, Tsonga, and Venda tribes gathered at the student recreation center in attendance of the traditional music and dance night event hosted by the Indlovukazi Office in collaboration with the Ingoma Society.
The students incorporated traditional attire with modern fashion trends, while dancing and singing along to various cultural songs that have been passed down from one generation to another. These events offered students the platform to express and showcase their talents and abilities, whilst reminding each other of their identities and backgrounds. The cultural diversity within George Campus came to life and brought unity in a loud and vibrant way. It was a joyous moment filled with celebration and praises.
Heritage Day is not just the superficial Braai Day or known for the donning of cultural clothing. It signifies how we want to want to be represented and seen and reminds us of the experience our forefathers went through, for us to freely represent who we are today.
It teaches us to welcome other tribes. In such a complex country, with over fifty languages with only 12 that are official, there is so much to learn and teach. Through this day, we educate ourselves and others through dance, poetry, songs and clothing.
Source: Hlengiwe Phiri
Photograph: Hero Cutalele
By Hlengiwe Phiri