This was a line written by Norwood Primary School pupil Ingthandile Ngcobo in her poem in celebration of Heritage Day.
The school held their annual cultural heritage event at the school’s hall where pupils showcased their traditional attire and performed an assortment of traditional dances.
In her opening remarks, school teacher Reginah Ramohotswa said, “We thank the pupils who wore their traditional clothes and those who are not wearing their traditional clothing show us that they are not proud of their culture.”
The school’s principal Africa Hlongwane said the theme for this year’s event was Rainbow nation. Hlongwane said, “As a school we are delighted to celebrate heritage. It will help our children to know their cultural backgrounds and differences. This day will give them an opportunity to show who they are and it will also teach them not to look down upon their cultures, but to be proud of their cultures.”
Among the different cultures at the school were Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele, Venda, Indian, Shona, Scottish and many other foreign cultures. Hlongwane added that heritage celebrations played a pivotal role in ensuring that the country’s cultures were sustained and passed onto the next generation. He said, “If we don’t do this we will be running a risk of having a nation which doesn’t have a culture.”
The fun-filled event began with Grade 1 pupils singing and dancing and other grades followed with an assortment of traditional dances from different cultures. The event was closed by the singing of the national anthem and Ngcobo reciting a line of her poem: “Africa my land, Africa my hills, valleys, trenches and mountain peaks resonate in my blood, value the lives of our fallen heroes as we remember today for all eternity. In selflessness we give hope of a single nation.”
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