Premier Ndlovu calls for the preservation of culture and language

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

The cultural diversity that defines Mpumalanga Province came to the fore during the Provincial Heritage Day celebrations led by Premier Mandla Ndlovu alongside Members of the Executive Council, Executive Mayors, leadership of the House of Traditional and Khoi San Leaders, at the local stadium in Hluvukani, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, on Tuesday 24 September.

According to a statement by the Office of the Premier(OTP), Mpumalanga is home to amaNdebele, amaTsonga, amaSwati, Coloureds, amaZulu, Whites, Indians, baPedi, as well as indigenous communities who speak the ‘sePulana’ dialect.

This medley of cultural influences is viewed by the OTP as a beautiful scenery that makes the province an ideal destination for tourists.

In his keynote address, Premier Ndlovu urged communities in Mpumalanga to preserve their indigenous languages and diverse cultures.

“ You must teach your kids your own original language. Use every possible means including technology and Artificial Intelligence(AI) to promote your language and culture,” said Ndlovu.

In his commitment for the province to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Mpumalanga by 2030, Ndlovu said the provincial government will roll out awareness campaigns targeting the youth.

He was responding to a recent report from the Human Sciences Research Council(HSRC), which revealed that 17.4% of the population in Mpumalanga is infected with the disease.

“ We pride ourselves with Marieskop, the Kruger National Park, Manyeleti, the Makhonjwa Mountain, Manzana, to mention but a few. Let us showcase our cultures when we host visitors. By so doing, we will preserve them for the future, as our heritage,” Ndlovu concluded.