Zodwa Ngubeni (Inkosi Langalibalele communications officer)
September marked another milestone of this country as we celebrated the 25th Heritage Day since the advent of our democracy.
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On September 12, at Ntabamhlophe in the kwaDlamini area, an event was held to remember the time we live in when diverse people in this country have many ways of expressing their views. This year also marks the 27th anniversary of the Bisho massacre, where about 28 people lost their lives, marching against the incorporation of Ciskei into South Africa in 1992.
In her address, Mayor Jabulile Mbele stated that the declaration of September as Heritage Month was a clear indication of our country’s ability to move closer to each other and embrace its cultures, beliefs and customs.
“We therefore must develop a natural urge to all the languages and cultures around us to immerse ourselves in the richness of our collective cultural heritage,” she said.
She stressed that there is no way in which heritage can be divorced from vegetation and nature conservation, alluding to the fact that areas under Inkosi Langalibalele already have a number of indigenous trees that need to be preserved.
In answering the question as to why we have to plant trees and the benefits thereof, Mayor Mbele cited that trees make an area look more beautiful, provide shade protection, protect the soil, and some trees give us fruits.
“The more trees we plant, the better it is for our environment. In many parts of our country, particularly our townships and rural areas, there are not enough trees and there are few fruit trees, leaving these areas unattractive, dry and dusty. This also impacts negatively on tourism as part of marking our own beloved area’s tourist destinations,” she said.
The mayor also touched on the crucial point that Heritage Month celebrated vultures as an essential species on the continent.
“Vultures are key to a healthy environment, yet are an endangered species. They are ecologically vital groups of birds that face a range of threats in many areas. These ‘garbage men’ help clean up the carcasses of dead animals and prevent the spread of diseases,” she added.
The mayor urged the people in attendance to protect vultures. According to Mrs Mbele, culture should, however, not be used as a stumbling block for national unity and shared prosperity. The current situation in South Africa where unemployment is rife, poverty is still a common feature in the lives of many people.
Inequality still being prevalent in our society indicates to us that we must be united in all our efforts to overcome these challenges, irrespective of cultural backgrounds. She further stated that gender-based violence, coupled with child mutilation, has now “overstepped the mark” and continues to suffocate our democracy.
She, therefore, called on men to protect women in and out of their places of abode. Enough is enough. People must know that our actions today are going to be used to judge us in future.
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