South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Heritage Day is one of South Africa’s public holidays. It is a day in which all are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa.

Living heritage plays a significant role in encouraging cultural diversity, peace and economic development; and is thus important for South Africans to preserve these various aspects of living heritage to fast-track the use of living heritage to address challenges communities are facing today.

Heritage also not only refers to our historical inheritance, creative expression and food, but it also embraces the various languages that have become entrenched in one’s cultural background.

Communications team’s Nikiwe Sukazi and Simangele Zuma interviewed some Durban University of Technology (DUT) students to find out how do they would celebrate Heritage Day and what does the day mean to them?

Nosipho Khulu, Third-year Electrical Power Engineering Student

“Heritage means celebrating and recognising your culture. It is about who you are and where you come from. It isn’t only about celebrating culture but embracing everyone’s diversity of their beliefs and tradition.”

Nkazimulo Mpanza, Third- year Business and Information Management Student

“I grew up in rural areas where the trade (economy) is very popular. There are plenty of things or ways I use to celebrate on Heritage Day. Usually, I spend this public holiday with my family, the main food we eat is beef from inkomo ehlatshwe ekhaya (home-slaughtered cow) and whatever they grow such as corn, mealie-meal, (phuthu/pap/porridge), and beans.”

Kwazi Msweli, Third-year Industrial Engineering Student

“Mina ngingumZulu, I celebrate this day by reflecting back on the history of my cultural heritage, and of my clan name, oMsweli. We remember how our forefathers used to do certain things and deal with certain situations in the past. I wear traditional clothing in commemoration of the Zulu culture.”

Siphiwe Bekwa, Third-year Ecotourism Management student, a Founder and Managing director of Impokophelo Travel and Tours.

“Taking into consideration that my qualification links with Heritage and Culture through travellers that visits our country, particularly KwaZulu-Natal to witness our way of life, the food we eat and our dance tradition. Heritage Day is very important to me as it confirms my business growth and development through travellers that I am organising rural tours for and events tourism. Heritage Day also links with the history telling and education of our very own King Shaka who passed away on the 22nd of September 1828. His life has been commemorated on the 24th of September by the country. Since I am guided by the DUT COVID-19 restrictions and Residence House Committee Project Officer, it’s unfortunate that there is no programme that we arranged however, we will be commemorating the day tomorrow by cooking traditional food, ujeqe nobhontshisi (sugar beans and steam bread) and eat it with my leaders in Residence 5.”

Asande Zuma, Third-year Public Relations and Communication student

“This year, it will be a family day for me. This day is for everyone to know who they are roots wise, as well as to celebrate how diverse we are in South Africa. I see this day as one of those days that bring us together as a country (unity).”

Picture Credit: Google Image