The nation celebrated Heritage Day on 24 September, but several institutions expressed their enthusiasm for the occasion by starting a day ahead.
Some schools took the lead: they bent the rules by allowing children freedom from their restraining uniforms. As a result, some schools in Alexandra became filled with colour, with both boys and girls milling around mid-classes adorned in various traditional attire.
It was a marvel to watch children, proudly and freely, showing off their cultural identities.
At Zenzeleni Primary School, many of the pupils were dressed traditionally, an indication that parents encourage their children to know who they are and take pride in belonging to their clans.
A teacher at the school, Makhesandile Msindo, said the children were granted permission to dress in their cultural attire for the day as part of the build up to the official celebration the following day. Grade 7 pupils Abenathi Nkebetwane and Avuyile Ludidi said they felt more at ease in their traditional clothes.
Celebrations were held at various venues around Alexandra where residents displayed their rainbow identities through traditional music, dances, praise singing and other forms of cultural expression.
