Having Heritage Day every day
According to one of the event organisers, Pace Tibane, they decided to protect a girl child from the street and hosted the event whereby the community came out and united through sport and shared their heritage.
The community of Xubeni Section celebrated Heritage Day in style during the grand opening of the sports facility in the area.
According to one of the event organisers, Pace Tibane, the event was held in honour of a girl child, and to unite the community through sport, and to share each others’ heritage.
Mandla Cebekhulu, the Sports Heritage Recreation Arts and Culture (SHRAC) sector representative in Ward 4 committee, handed over the new sports facility to the community.
A variety of activities were held, including volleyball, netball, tennis clinics and a drum majorettes display for the young people.
Entertainment was also provided by various local traditional dance groups including Kofifi and Pantsula dancers.
Marhulana, Shukumani and Thuthukani primary schools learners took part in the cultural dance and recited poems.
The event saw the locals dressed in a variety of traditional attires. The event was graced by the King of the Ndebele, King Masilela of the Ndzundza tribe, school officials and Ward 4 councillor Pat Mkhabela.
Masilela encouraged the people to never abandon their tradition.
“Our people should always understand and remember their cultural roots. We shouldn’t be ashamed of who we are. Culture has made us the best and moral people we are today,” he said.
School principal of Marhulana Primary Sarah Mahlagare urged everyone to embrace diversity, respect, love and care for each other despite differences of colour and race.
“We enjoyed food from different cultures and this included mopane worms, veggies, samp, among other traditional dishes. We cherished every moment of the day, and we wished everyday could be a Heritage Day because it brings good memories and reminds us of where we come from,” added Mahlagare.
Virginia Mabena, the owner of a catering company, provided a variety of meals without a charge.
Tibane thanked everyone who made a contribution to ensure the event was a success.
“We also want to thank the Gauteng Department of Sports and Recreation and other Good Samaritans who helped to sponsor the event. The turnout was huge and we indeed enjoyed the celebration,” said Tibane.
