A kaleidoscope of culture

More than 100 people from the Groutville and KwaDukuza area poured through the gates of the Luthuli Museum for an afternoon of cultural celebration on September 30.

People from the wider Tongaat and Stanger areas arrived in full traditional attire to take part in the celebration, creating a rainbow of colourful Indian saris and dazzling Zulu beads.

The event was funded by the Department of Arts and Culture and included a programme of song, dance and cultural histories from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

The programme kicked off with a compelling speech by Luthuli Museum’s public relations officer, Zinhle Nyembe, which highlighted the beauty of the many cultures South Africa is home to.

“I am proud of my South African heritage and how far we have come as a country, united in our diversity,” said Nyembe, whose message that all cultures have an important place in our country captured the feel-good tone of the day.

Following the speech were also presentations discussing the traditions of Zulu marriage, the story of the Indian people’s arrival in South Africa as well as a role-play performance of the labours of cane-cutting, which employed many of the early Indian migrants after arriving in the country.

With so many flavours of South African culture represented at the Luthuli Museum, the day successfully showcased the beauty that lies in the diversity of our national identity.