Witkoppen nurses swap uniforms for traditional attire to celebrate Heritage Day
The nurses brought colour to Witkoppen clinic as they exchanged their usual uniforms for traditional clothing and celebrated their diverse backgrounds.
Witkoppen nurses traded their familiar blue-and-white uniforms for colourful traditional clothing as they celebrated Heritage Day on September 24.
For the day, the clinic looked a little different as staff members stepped away from their usual work attire and dressed in outfits representing the cultures and traditions they wanted to celebrate. The change in clothing was more than just a chance to dress up. It gave staff an opportunity to celebrate the different backgrounds, languages and traditions that make up South Africa.
Read more: Pampering nurses on Nurses Day
Clinic marketing officer Cleopatra Fothane said Heritage Day was an important day for the clinic to celebrate, because people get to embrace their roots. “I think it’s an important day to celebrate because you have these different cultures and it almost feels like there’s the one day that they can all come together and just have one common goal,” she said.
The celebration also included a best-dressed competition, giving staff another reason to get involved. “We had all staff members vote for the one they think was the best dressed, and then we gifted that person.”
Also read: A Heritage of Comfort at The Bed Shop – Fourways
While the colourful clothing was a visible part of the celebration, Fothane said Heritage Day also made her think about traditions that people do not always have time for during the year. She admitted that she does not often celebrate her heritage in her personal capacity at home, although she takes part when celebrations are organised at work.
The same applies to traditional food. Fothane said she would love to cook traditional dishes more often. “I would love to make them because it almost feels like we’re just losing touch with our culture and our traditions.”
When asked about her favourite traditional dish, Fothane chose mogodu served with pap. For her, food is another way of keeping those traditions close. “It is honestly so delicious. I really enjoyed it, and I think I should make it a point to have it as often as I can. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t mind having more regularly.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
