Preservation of heritage must be inspired

BESIDES the typical images of cultural attire, there lies a deep-rooted heritage, which was passed down from generation to generation and included cultural ways of disciplining young people as a way to teach them respect.

It is this kind of heritage that the Giyani mayor, Pat Hlungwani said was important to guide the modern way of life. “We understand that things have changed to a point that we no longer live or dress culturally. Government encourages the preservation of heritage as this forms the basis of discipline among young people,” Hlungwani said.

The mayor spoke during the Art and Cultural Festival which was hosted by the municipality at the Giyani Stadium on Saturday, where Giyani communities showcased and celeberated their cultural heritage.

“We would lose our cultural values if we did not know where we came from as citizens. Dressing in traditional clothing should not be associated with illiteracy as it was in the past, but something that the younger generation should boast about. We know that young people today are getting lost and associate playing drums and dancing in traditional clothing with people that did not go to school. This is our tradition whether educated or not,” he said, urging parents to guide their children to follow culture and tradition.

Giving her opinion on culture and tradition, Gloria Ngoveni, who entered a competition during the festival in the Most Beautiful Cultural Dress category said she viewed culture as a way of expressing herself.

“Unlike ordinary clothing, cultural clothing makes you stand out in public because its unique. This is why you would find people dressed in Xibelani (traditional Xitsonga clothing) and other cultural attire at big events such as weddings and other cultural celebrations,” she said.