DURBAN Girls’ Secondary School (DGSS), in partnership with SANCA, hosted a vibrant Heritage Day celebration on Tuesday in the school hall, blending cultural pride with important lessons on health and wellness.

The hall was packed with learners and educators dressed in traditional attire. Their cheers and chants added to the festive spirit of the edutainment programme. SANCA project manager Sonwabile Sithole said the day was about more than celebrating culture — it was also about raising awareness of the dangers of substance abuse. “When we first started our awareness programme at the school, it involved 15 learners and we knew that this will not be enough,” said Sithole.

Also Read: Heritage Day recognises South Africa’s unique people

The peer educator programme, I Can Project, led to DGSS partnering with SANCA for the Heritage Day celebration where they could further raise awareness among the learners. “If you decide to go down the route of substance abuse, it will not be a matter of I didn’t know,” warned Sithole.

This was echoed by DGSS psychology intern Thobeka Nzimande who tackled the sensitive subject of mental health with the learners. She spoke to learners about seeking help when in need and the effects that substance abuse can have on one’s mental health.

Alongside these lessons, the event also celebrated South Africa’s cultural diversity. Learners recited speeches and poetry in honour of Heritage Day. Aleesha Khaliva celebrated KwaZulu-Natal’s rich traditions, while Amanda Mthembu delivered her poem in isiZulu, reflecting on the history and meaning of the day.

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