A celebration of culture, language, music, and storytelling found its way to Auckland Park Preparatory School (APPS) when they hosted their annual heritage and fireside tales programme.

This event, now in its 28th year and described as a living classroom that allows learners to experience their languages and cultures in action, brought together learners, parents, teachers, and invited artists to honour South Africa’s rich diversity.

“It encourages creativity, collaboration, and pride in one’s heritage, while also showing the leaners how cultural expression connects to identity and community,” said marketing officer Julie Wearne.

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The programme included learner-led choreography, music composition, drumming, and dance, from jembe and Amapiano, to traditional SeSotho and Sepedi songs, and Soweto street style, with Grade 5 learners taking part in this rite of passage, designing their own costumes for the festivities.

The night also featured storytelling around the fireside by a guest artist, as well as by senior phase isiZulu teacher Lindiwe Ndaba, and drama therapist Sibusiso Fihlani, from Drama for Life.

Wearne said, this year, the night featured several standout moments: the grades 1–3 learners’ surprise Amapiano medley to the songs, Sthandwa Sami and Uzizwa Kanjani, the collaboration between the Grade 6s and Orlando West dancers, and the powerful, intergenerational fireside storytelling, which brought everyone together.

“Heritage Day is not about looking back with nostalgia; it is about giving children a space to live their languages and cultures with pride.

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“Seeing our learners perform in isiZulu, Afrikaans, English, and other languages, as well as in dance styles from around the world, shows them that their cultures are valued, powerful, and worth celebrating.”

When asked why it is important for learners to be part of this celebration of cultures, Wearne said: “When learners see their language, dance, and music honoured, they feel a deep sense of belonging.

Participation allows them to embody cultural knowledge and take ownership of their identity, while respecting the cultures of others.”

The school’s newly appointed headmistress Joanne Glendinning, ended by saying: “Heritage at APPS is alive. It is celebrated with pride, love, and respect, giving our learners the confidence to embrace their identities, raise their voices, and shape the heritage of tomorrow together.”

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