WATCH: Katlehong youth celebrate Heritage Day

Paballo ya Bana Drop-In Centre and Early Childhood Development celebrated cultural diversity on Heritage Day as various cultural groups took turns to perform their cultural activities in Nhlapo Section, Katlehong, on September 24.

Community members were dressed in their traditional attire and enjoyed a day filled with cultural activities.

The founder of Buhlebuzile Traditional Dance, gogo Lillian Zondo (60), who traditionally grooms young girls in Maphanga Section, Katlehong, said it is vital to have regular events that speak to African culture.

“We have to share our knowledge with our young children and teach them where we come from as Africans. We believe in ancestors, we have traditional medication and we dress according to our cultures,” said Zondo.

Paballo ya Bana displayed a range of performances from isiZulu, Basotho and Xhosa traditional dances to pantsula dance and a musical performance by its choir.

Dipabala tsa Paballo performed a traditional drama set, Zanele Motaung performed an isiZulu poem and Buhlebuzile Traditional Dance delivered an isiZulu dance performance.

The centre manager, Koloti Mofokeng, said it is important to celebrate such days with children.

“This is important because we are Africans. Various groups were performing their clan names, which taught guests a thing or two about other cultures,” said Mofokeng.

“We are from different tribes but we live in the same communities. When we learn about each other’s cultures, what they eat, how they dance, how they dress, we start appreciating each other. We also formulate the basics of ubuntu,” he said.

Guests enjoyed traditional food like tripe, samp, spinach, chicken feet and dumplings.