ALTHOUGH rain was pouring non stop in Durban, that didn't dampen the spirit of the residents who gathered to celebrate Heritage Day.
South Africans from different provinces gathered at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu north of Durban on Sunday, 24 September for the National Heritage Day Celebration.
Dressed in their different attires, they filled the stadium.
Loud music, dancing, excitement and parades were the order of the day.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile gave a keynote address where he urged South Africans to safeguard their heritage for future generations.
Delivering his address, Mashatile said this year’s celebrations take place under the theme: “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa”.
"An important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey, and also embrace the complexities that come with nation building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future," he said.
He said Heritage Day was celebrated at Princess Magogo Stadium a week after laying to rest a son of Princess Magogo and founder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
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"We must first appreciate Princess Magogo who in her own right has been a key player in shaping and promoting traditional arts and culture both in the country and abroad," he said.
Mashatile said in building on the legacy and contributions of Princess Magogo and other icons of history.
"Secondly, as President Ramaphosa said, we must ensure that we continue to build unity here in KwaZulu, something that Prince Buthelezi instructed that we do. Working for peace and unity is the only way to acknowledge the contribution of Mtwana kaPhindangene," he said.
He said as part of the 2023 Heritage Month celebrations, the theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian, and European cultures and traditions.
Nontobeko Dlamini from Ntuzuma near KwaMashu said she was very excited to be part of the Heritage Day Celebration.
"I've never seen something like this before. People from South Africa celebrating together peacefully warms my heart. I'm proud to be a South African," she said.
Nosisa Sonjica from Eastern Cape said she didn't want to miss the National Heritage Day Celebration because this day means a lot to her.
"We get to be who we really are. We get to show other people our culture. I'm very happy to have attended this celebration. Everyone was excited to be part of this and the rain didn't bother us at all," he said.
