Oxford Preschool came alive with colour, tradition, and flavour as learners, teachers, and parents gathered to celebrate Heritage Day. The school hosted an event that focused on helping young children learn about their roots and the diverse cultures that make up South Africa.

Read more: King’s school pre-primary celebrates Heritage Day with a play and a braai

Headteacher Lynette Nyathi said the day was designed to teach children the importance of knowing who they are and where they come from. “It’s very important for a child to learn where they originated. We want them to understand their origins and to value that knowledge from a young age.”

Learners arrived at school dressed in traditional clothing, proudly representing their backgrounds. Bright Zulu beadwork, Xhosa prints, and other cultural outfits filled the playground, turning the school into a vibrant showcase of South Africa’s heritage.

Also read: Heritage Day in South Africa

To make the celebration more interactive, families were asked to send traditional food with the children.

“We asked the kids to bring their traditional food so that they can share it with other kids,” Nyathi said. “This way, they can taste different dishes from other tribes and other cultures.”

She added that the experience was about more than food; it was about helping the children recognise the meaning behind cultural identity. “The idea is for them to understand what it means to be Zulu, Tswana, Pedi, Xhosa, and from other cultures as well.”

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