Teach children morals and principles on Heritage Day

POLOKWANE – As people from all walks of life will be celebrating and commemorating Heritage Day, a culture experts says it is important for parents to teach their children principles and morals.

Mponeng Letsoato, demonstrator at Bakone Malapa Art Museum, said Heritage Day should not only focus on food, attire and celebrations but restoring morals, dignity and inculcating principles and values within young people.

“Children no longer have respect for their parents and everyone close to them and that is a worrying factor. This type of behavior is also prevalent at work places, institutions of learning and the general society. Parents must teach their children how to talk to elders, general people and how to conduct themselves at an early age so that we can have a prosperous generation,” he said.

The day will see people from all walks of life wearing different cultural outfits and apparels remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures in the province. Some will be visiting families for ceremonies and other celebratory events.

Khathu Sadiki, cultural expert and director of Language Services and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said in the venda culture women would wear a mwenda outfits to preserve and celebrate heritage day.

“This outfit is like a sarong. It has different sizes and lengths. Married would wear the long one while young women who are unmarried would wear the short one. Those that are not married wear the short traditional outfit preferably in a blue colour because it is appealing and attractive. The outfits are usually worn during celebratory events such as parties, weddings and related family ceremonies.”