Correctional centres celebrate Heritage Day
The correctional centres that fall under the Bethal Management Area came together to celebrate their unique cultures.
The Bethal Management Area held a Heritage Day celebration on September 26, where several officials from correctional centres were present, donning traditional attire from their proud backgrounds.
Officials from the Standerton Correctional Centre represented the IsiZulu culture. Chief Bhuti Mahlangu of the AmaNdebele in Bethal; Abel Mashaba, area commissioner of the Bethal Management Area; Ronel Pretorius, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) regions acting deputy regional commissioner; and Ruth Letsloalo LMN regions regional head for human resources were in attendance.
Mahlangu delivered the keynote address, where he appreciated the Department of Correctional Services for this initiative.
He encouraged the officials to keep close ties to their heritage and requested officials to encourage their children to study agriculture because of the declining rate of learners interested in agricultural studies.
“As traditional leaders, we are concerned about the increasing number of youth on our streets. Our classes are empty and the people that should be there are on the streets,” said Mahlangu.
Ronel Pretorius expressed her gratitude over being part of the event and reminded those present that their field of work promotes unity in diversity. She encouraged the officials to use this occasion to embrace their heritage.
“We acknowledge we come from different backgrounds, but we are one nation. Let us move forward and work together,” concluded Pretorius.
The celebration continued with cultural music, dance, and poetry from several cultures. Dignitaries and officials could taste food from different cultures.
ALSO CHECK: Senior citizen from Secunda enjoys retirement
ALSO CHECK: Famsa fokus op die Sadies vir Huweliksweek
