Zonderwater celebrates Heritage Day
This year homage was paid to the cultures of IsiXhosa, IsiZulu and Sepedi.
The Zonderwater Correctional facility came alive on September 22 with a spirited celebration of Heritage Day, adorned with the vibrant tapestry of South African culture.
Every year cultural groups are picked for the Heritage Day celebration. This year homage was paid to the cultures of IsiXhosa, IsiZulu and Sepedi.
The cricket ground transformed into a glowing mixture of colours, with participation from Correctional Centre Medium A representing the Bapedi, Correctional Centre Medium B representing the AmaZulu, and the area commissioner’s office representing the AmaXhosa.
Officials from the Department of Arts and Culture were the judges, ensuring the flawless execution of the ‘Battle of Cultures’ competition.
The teams expressed their unique heritage through a delightful array of food, music, poetry, traditional attire, and artefacts, including a glimpse into the traditions of years ago.
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During his welcoming and unwrapping of the purpose for the day, Zonderwater acting area commissioner Tivani Makasane expressed his thoughts on the significance of this historic day, which brings people together not only in correctional services.
He said, “Heritage Day plays an indispensable role among our officials and in the community. It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared cultural heritage, fostering understanding, respect, and unity among our officials.”
The acting area commissioner pleaded with officials to sustain cultural diversity and Heritage Day celebrations in the working environment and beyond the DCS walls as it reminds people how things were in the past.
Jane Mputla, creative cluster and communities manager at the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, an event judge of the day, congratulated the groups for their dedication and preparation for the event.
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Mputla lauded the groups as good and well-prepared for the event.
“It’s not about winning. The celebration of our culture and the essence of unity is at the heart of the festivities,” said Mputla.
She said they assessed the groups on dance, music, poetry and coordination without fear or favour. The Bapedi group scooped the trophies in all three categories – for the best dance group, and best-coordinated group and was the overall winner.
“It was a day to remember, a day that makes us proud to be South African,” said Mputla.
The cultural groups to be celebrated next year will be South Sotho, Afrikaans and Batswana.
