Why do you celebrate Heritage Day?
Review catches up with a few residents to ask what their heritage means to them and whether celebrating Heritage Day is important.
POLOKWANE – September is Heritage Month. Learning about cultural diversity and spending time with family with a national passtime such as a braai are important to residents form the city who will be able to highlight both on Heritage Day on 24 September.
Review catches up with a few residents to ask what their heritage means to them and whether celebrating Heritage Day is important.
Nurul Anwar Manik still believes in heritage and practices all his culture’s customs and beliefs. “It doesn’t matter where you are, whether in your country of birth or not, you must never lose your culture,” he states.
Abdulah Rammz says culture is important because it celebrates who you are and where you come from. “Heritage Day represents diversity in the country, it’s important to celebrate our differences. Even though there are different cultures, at least we have one day to celebrate the various cultures together,” he explains.
Ennie Mailula feels it’s good to learn about other cultural group’s food and attire. “On Heritage Day we get to see different attires, which is very interesting. It is also good to know your roots and know the history about ancestors, I still follow rituals and traditions in my culture. South Africans have different beliefs when it comes to doing things, especially with weddings and funerals.”
Catherine James differs and says most people don’t celebrate their different cultures anymore and that there is a movement away from customs.
“To me it’s a day where I get together with friends and family and braai,” she adds.
Frank Marvelous says it’s always good to know your family history and culture.
“Mostly African men have to practice their cultural beliefs – if you want things to go smoothly in your life, you have to obey your ancestors and respect your culture,” he feels.
For Elzanie Raaths Heritage Day is more like a family day used to unite with family. “Knowing your culture is very important but spending time with family is vital – it’s a good time to reflect on family pictures, have fun and lots of laughter,” Raaths says.
