Diversity in culture is celebrated
The traditional drinks and food which were served at the commemoration included umcombotsi (traditionally brewed beer), emahewu (meal drink made from fermented thin porridge), traditionally prepared ematfumbu (cow intestines) and mancina (cow's feet).
From colourful traditional outfits that aptly describe their roots to a traditional prepared feast fit for a king, hundreds of Emjindini residents celebrated Heritage Day.
The main event was held on Thursday at a recreational park near KaMhola Secondary School in Emjindini at Ward 5. People arrived in traditional attire to celebrate unity in diversity.
The celebration was marked with traditional music, dance and speeches delivered by local leaders. Umjindi Local Municipality speaker, Vusi Mkhatshwa, who also serves as the ANC Ward 5 councillor, said the ANC had decided to commemorate the day with the aim of reminding locals, especially the youth, where they came from.
He said as local people, it was important to celebrate their culture and tradition every September as part of Heritage Month.
Formally known as Shaka Day before 1995, September 24 is a national holiday and gives South Africans a chance to pause and take stock of how their diversity can contribute to building a better land.
The traditional drinks and food which were served at the commemoration included umcombotsi (traditionally brewed beer), emahewu (meal drink made from fermented thin porridge), traditionally prepared ematfumbu (cow intestines) and mancina (cow’s feet).
Sicelo Nyambi of the ANC encouraged the youth, especially those who will go to tertiary institutions next year, to know which organisation they belonged to.
“Know that the only organisation you belong to when you elect your student representative councils is the South African Student Congress. This is the only organisation that can fight for your rights as students and there are no others,” he said.
