Hundreds of South Africans on Tuesday celebrated their diverse culture and rich heritage to mark the occasion of Heritage Day.
The day recognises and celebrates the rich culture of the nation.
South Africans celebrate the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of Mzansi.
This year’s Heritage Day was commemorated at Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg in the Free State, under the theme, “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”.
Citizens participated in various activities including the Zulu nation which observe the day as “King Shaka Day”, while others dubbed it braai day.
One knows when people celebrate, some people tend to consume more alcohol than usual, hence police cautioned motorists to refrain from drinking and driving.
According to SA News.gov.za, Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) called on citizens to celebrate the public holiday responsibly.
“As we come together to celebrate our cultures, traditions, and diversity on this day, it is important to do so responsibly,” said GTP spokesperson, Sello Maremane.
It urged citizens to celebrate with caution.
“We encourage all citizens to do so responsibly and avoid taking part in unlawful activities such as public drinking, reckless and negligent driving, among other things,” said Maremane, adding that the Gauteng Traffic Police, together with the Gauteng Traffic Wardens and other law enforcement agencies would be on high alert to ensure safety on the roads and in communities.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Heritage Day celebration was being held at Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site in Mogale City.
The day kicked off with an important symposium, “Revisiting the concept of Cultural Heritage for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and what constitutes heritage for the site".
This symposium featured academics, historians, cultural and heritage experts, government officials, and tourism experts, among others.
The provincial government said that although the site was renowned for its rich content on the complex dolomitic geological and hydrogeological system and human fossils, it lacked information on the cultural history related to the site, despite being categorised as a cultural heritage site.
Some of the neglected information relates to the narrative of the Stone Age era and the early occupiers of the site.
The symposium aimed to address how to reshape and reposition the site to be more inclusive and considerate of the broader cultural heritage narrative, which contributes to its existence.
“It is important to have this important World Heritage site embody the entire story of our cultural heritage as categorised. This will also help forge a connection with ordinary communities who might regard the site as too academic and irrelevant for them,” said Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane.
Other elements of the programme were to include a colourful street parade featuring 2 000 learners, showcasing the diverse cultures of Gauteng through food, music, dance and attire.
Also happening on the sidelines was a Traditional Exhibition and Government Services Expo featuring cultural and traditional healers, as as well as various government departments.
A formal programme to be addressed by various dignitaries was to be followed by a cultural programme featuring diverse cultural groups, local artists, and well-known musicians.
Additionally, with September being Tourism Month, Chiloane said Gauteng was ready to welcome everyone to explore its rich heritage footprint across its landscape. He said there were more than 245 heritage sites to explore, including the Cradle of Humankind, the National Heritage Monument, the Union Buildings, museums, and many other establishments.
The Star