South Africans will once again unite to celebrate the rainbow nation on Heritage Day (September 24).

Usually, this particular public holiday is celebrated by braaing, making a potjie or simply by adorning oneself in traditional cultural attire. South Coast Models recently got together at the Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh decked out in their cultural clothes, and shared with each other different aspects about their cultures and traditions.

Model Kiyara Panday, who is the latest addition to the group, said that Heritage Day is important to her because it enables her to reflect on her heritage and celebrate her country’s cultural diversity, beliefs and traditions.

Model Nana Nzama added that Heritage Day teaches everyone to embrace different cultures.

“This day teaches us our cultural values as individuals, and also helps us appreciate the beauty of unity of our nation,” said Nana.

Ekta Somera, a South African youth ambassador from Umkomaas and the author of Made in Poetry and founder of Paper Trail Literary Journal shares a Heritage Day piece she has been working on for South African Indians:

Stolen from their land
my ancestors bravely
travelled across the sea
so that I could be –

Born into a rainbow nation
rich in culture and diversity
their struggle and resilience
reminisced in history books
became an epitome of my being –

The lamp in my home
ignites my spirit
with an inexplicable feeling
the same one I get
when my grandmother ties
a saree around me –

My heart beats
to the sound of a tabla
and my mind wanders to
my heritage across the sea

I am at home but –
India still calls out to me

HAVE YOUR SAY

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