By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The Mpumalanga DCSR(Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation), led by MEC Leah Mabuza in her capacity as MEC and Acting Premier, hosted a Heritage Day celebration, which included a tree-planting ceremony in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s initiative to plant 10 million indigenous trees across the country within five years.
The vibrant event, which featured performances by various cultural groups in Mpumalanga, was held at Thaba-Kgwali, Grootvlei, in the Dipaleseng Local Municipality.
This year’s Heritage Day was celebrated under the theme;” Reimagine the Heritage Institution for a New Era”.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Ndlovu, MEC Mabuza said heritage day serves as an occasion for educational initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of the diverse cultures that exist within Mpumalanga.
She acknowledged the role of Amakhosi in preserving the cultural lineage within the respective communities they lead.
Mabuza called upon the resident of Mpumalanga, particularly young people, to look towards creating employment opportunities by embracing the heritage economy and producing products that highlight the diversity of the province.
“ Heritage Day is significant as we remember the foundation of our society. It serves as a significant occasion to honour and reflect the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa and the province of Mpumalanga, know for its stunning natural landscape and diverse communities. The day is dedicated to recognising the various cultural groups that contribute to the heritage of the nation, emphasising the importance of cultural preservation and appreciation.
“ I’m pleased to see young girls taking issues of culture very seriously. This shows that Mpumalanga is raising girls that are going to build the nation. Our schools promote heritage through workshops, exhibitions, and storytelling sessions which are orginised to provide learners with the history of languages and customs in various cultural groups. Heritage Day reminds us that we are not simply a province rich in landscape and wildlife, but a province overflowing with stories, tradition, and timeless wisdom passed down from generation to generation,” said MEC Mabuza.
Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, Chairperson of the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders in Mpumalanga, in his message of support for the event, acknowledged the respect shown by DCSR MEC towards traditional leaders across the province.
He spoke out in protest against the recent ruling by the Constitutional Court which allows men to change their surnames and adopt those of their spouses. He also strongly condemned harmful traditions such as ukungenwa (widow inheritance) and ukuthwala (abduction for marriage), urging communities to uphold human rights and dignity.
“ As Contralesa (Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa), It is our task as custodians of culture and tradition to ensure that our practices as African people are promoted and supported. As Amakhosi, we will openly condemn certain behaviours that are derailing us from our identity,” said Kgoshi Mokoena.
The event was attended by various MECs, Executive Mayors, Traditional Leadership, senior provincial officials, and local residents, to name but a few.
