KABOKWENI – One of the top performing schools in the province, Vulemehlo Primary School, celebrated Heritage Day in style, and as it is known that the whole month of September is considered as Aids month, they were also given awareness about HIV/Aids.

Learners in this school embraced their different cultures as they came to school clad magnificently in their traditional attire. During the celebration, learners entertained the crowd with different cultural dances, speeches and poetry and performed a drama based on Aids and culture.

The principal of the school, Mr Kenneth Mnisi, said, “We have decided to celebrate Heritage Day with our learners, especially to teach them about the importance of culture and our origins, and we need to revive our roots. Neglecting our roots will mean the death of our nation.”

One of the learners, Goodness Chicumula said, “In order to have a brighter future, we need to understand our culture and we must not be mostly influenced by the modernised society.

“People must respect other cultural groups since there is no better culture than the other, hence they should embrace the rainbow nation to promote unity in diversity.” With regards to Aids month she said, “Your status does not describe who you are, let’s support and love those who are affected by the disease.”

The event was graced by the representatives of South African Police Services, the department of education and the department of health.
Ms Busisiwe Mabuza of the Ehlanzeni Department of Education taught learners about HIV/Aids and she urged learners not to isolate themselves from people who are affected by the disease, but to love and support them.

“I want them to have a brighter future,” she said. She explained that taking pills before meals can destroy them in many ways, so it is vital to drink pills after meals.