Culture takes centre stage as generations unite
Traditional dress, music and dance brought young and old together as Jerusalem and Delmore residents celebrated their heritage.
Heritage came alive on September 29 as elders and youngsters from Jerusalem and Delmore traded everyday routines for traditional attire, music, dancing and a day of community connection.
Hosted by Ray of Hope Foundations and the Masibambaneni Care Centre, the celebration brought together community organisations and government representatives, including SAPS, Social Development, COGTA, the mayor’s office and FNB.
Ray of Hope Foundations founder Sandra Allies said the event created an opportunity for different generations to celebrate their culture together.
“We invited elders and youngsters from Jerusalem and Delmore, who arrived dressed in all types of traditional attire. Youngsters performed and sang for the elderly,” Allies said.
The celebration was about more than entertainment, with attendees also receiving life coaching and awareness from organisations supporting the event.
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For FNB volunteers, the day was an opportunity to turn their commitment to giving back into meaningful community involvement.
Chairperson of the FNB volunteer committee Suhina Sukuram said they chose to support Ray of Hope Foundations after learning about its work in impoverished communities.
The partnership has included assisting with some of the foundation’s needs, including supplies for its soup kitchens.
Sukuram said being at the Heritage Day celebration allowed volunteers to see the impact of their support beyond donations.
“To be here is such a privilege and to be welcomed so warmly and from the heart is really something that we will definitely take with us,” Sukuram said.
She added that the partnership could continue beyond Heritage Day, with volunteers looking at different community needs throughout the year.
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