Heritage Day: Celebrating South African culture through tradition

Some of us from the younger generation have come together to commemorate Heritage Day by reflecting and sharing on the importance of heritage on this special holiday.

But I did find that some from my generation don't regard the day's significance. For many others like me, September is a month dedicated to remembering our ancestors and the culture that stems from who we are as people.

Heritage Day has become an integral part of how South Africans have taken to advertising their love for culture and tradition; this encourages new generations to take pride in their background and to continue to uplift their traditions to the world.

Traditional clothing holds great significance in expressing different cultures in South Africa, from the colourful beads “ubuhlalu” worn as a necklace in the Zulu culture, to the stunning sarıs and Punjabis in the Hindu culture, as well as uMbhaco worn by young Xhosa men.

Each garment worn symbolises an important stage in a person’s life, and each transition is a sign of growth from a young adult to marriage and then to elder.

Here are the thoughts of some of my peers:

“More than anything, this ensemble of clothing adds pride to my identity, pride about where I hail and the line of people that came before me.

"I come from the home of legends, where a multitude of contributors to the fight for human rights, dignity, and heritage comes from,” said Musa Zondo, who hosted a diversity event at the Durban University of Technology recently.

Remembering stories of the father of the Zulu nation, King Shaka, and how traditional clothing was tailored back then, like the “Isigege” worn by young Zulu women, where they bare their upper bodies and wear a traditional skirt while walking around barefoot, is another important aspect of their culture. That is how Gugulethu Jali likes to celebrate the significant day.

“There are certain things we do as Zulu people, whether it be culturally, our values, and traditions as a whole that are unique. I don’t know how to explain it, but just being part of a community that makes me feel at home, like I belong, matters to me,” said Fezile Skosana.

“Heritage is about my past but also about how my Hindu South African identity fits into the bigger story of the country. Whether lighting a candle for my ancestors or enjoying a braai with friends, it’s a day that connects me to my roots and my community,” said Shrika Harbans. 

Wandiswa Nxumalo is a third-year DUT Journalism student with a passion for human interest stories.

DAILY NEWS