Heritage Day is a day in which all are encouraged to celebrate our cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions that make-up the nation of South Africa.

The aim of Heritage Day is to focus public attention on the importance of South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. The day promotes the need for a new South African identity, fostering reconciliation and promoting the notion that variety is a national asset as opposed to igniting conflict. Nelson Mandela coined the phrase “rainbow nation” to describe South Africa’s diverse cultures, customs, traditions, histories, and languages. A diverse nation: a colourful nation. A nation being unified.

We explained to our learners that celebrating heritage is not just about the traditional attires that we wear or the traditional food that we eat. It is also about how we entertain ourselves in different cultures. Each culture has their own unique way of dancing, reciting poetry (Umbongo / Isithakazelelo); of singing and story-telling.

So on Heritage day this year, we prepared dancing routines for each culture: Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Swati, Venda, SeSotho, Indian and some represented Africa with the Nigerian attire. See the attached photos.

The learners were so excited about the whole experience. They commented that they will never forget I Can! because of the way the staff members taught them to play, dance and laugh with each other, in unity.

Anathi Msol
Academy Supervisor (Kempton Park)