Durban - As a way of recognising her ancestry, Tracey Nkathazo Fared has a Zulu shield and spear tattooed on her neck. The young South African feels that honouring her Zulu heritage is imperative and like many other South Africans, she is proud of where she comes from. A few South Africans shared with BuaNews what September 24 - Heritage Day - means to them. Kemantha Govender reports.
Fared, a former Durban resident who now works in Pretoria, says for her Heritage Day is certainly more than just a public holiday.
"It's a reminder to our nation to not only celebrate the diversity that exists in South Africa, but individual heritage - that is also a very important part of our lives.
"I have an African identity but I am very proud of my Zulu cultural practices and tradition. In no way does one supersede the other. I believe in the creator, I feel though that communicating to my ancestors is a closer source to the creator," says Fared.
Umhlanga resident Vishali Mariemuthu concurs with the view that Heritage Day is of great importance.
"Yes it is an important day mainly for the future generations - our kids. I want my kids to be made aware and be allowed to celebrate and enjoy their heritage as well as understand other social backgrounds," says the mother of two.
Mariemuthu added: "They need to appreciate every form of culture, and to have a clear understanding. I think this would encourage and make for healthier relationships and friendships and a degree of respect for each other."
Nhlaka Mtshali says the values that he has incorporated in his everyday life are an inheritance from his forefathers.
"I identify my heritage by where I come from, by where my father comes from, where my grandfather comes from. One can almost identify his/her heritage by looking at their family tree. Aspects would be values my fathers, forefathers kept and lived by," adds Mtshali.
For Abdul Sultan, a devout Muslim, his heritage is "rather complicated", especially being a "Muslim South African Indian", but he believes all the "complications" lead to being a proud South African.
"There's a real fusion of different values that all add up to me being a South African. I do believe celebrating our customs and our inheritance is an important part of who we are and who we want to become," says Sultan.
Cape Town based journalist Dorette Marias is a firm believer that Heritage Day is also about family and friends.
"It celebrates our heritage - it is a day for spending with family and friends. Be it in the form of a meal, a day out, or a braai. Your family and friends are such a big part of your heritage and what better way to celebrate who you are as a person," explains Marias.
South Africans are no doubt a proud nation as in the case of Marias: "I am a very, very proud South-African. I love this country, our natural beauty, our diversity, our heritage. Our history might be painful but I am so proud of us when I consider how we stand up in the face of adversity. How we have overcome so many obstacles. When I consider all our achievements as a country since 1994, I am truly honored to call myself a South-African."
Sixty-five year-old "Proudly South African" Fay Aver says she will be celebrating Heritage Day with pride.
Aver is of German ancestry and grew up in a community in the Eastern Cape that was predominately German speaking.
"I enjoyed my childhood immensely - growing up and getting old never came into the equation at all. Time did pass and I did grow up, but I am happy that I had the experience and gained wisdom in the fact that I grew up in a country that I can call my home."
Raj Govender, Chief Director, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, says Heritage Day is indeed very important in South Africa.
"It gives an indication of our past. Our heritage is essential because it links us to our ancestry. It is important for social cohesion and national building - therefore we need to understand all cultures and its rich traditions in South Africa," he says.
But Govender observes that in the past years, many cultural groups promote their music and dance in their own compartments. "We need to share these aspects of culture with all groups, hence the importance of Heritage Day." .
The Department of Arts and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal will have various events throughout the year to promote the country's heritage.
According to Govender, the department funds cultural groups and organisations. They will also organise cultural days which will not just be limited to South African cultural groups but include the German, Portuguese and Greek communities in the province.
The department has several initiatives which allow music, dance, cuisine and poetry to be exhibited.
The annual Wildfees event sees the Afrikaner community showcasing their culture. It is one of many examples that shows how South Africa celebrates its diverse culture while learning to appreciate and understand individual cultures.
The Indian community, meanwhile, has been celebrating a milestone event in 2010 - the 150 year anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa.
"The determination and spirit of our Indian ancestor need to be celebrated because they survived such harsh conditions in South Africa. We need to emulate those values and rekindle the spirit of volunteerism and togetherness," says Govender.
The pride of such an achievement has seeped through to 16-year-old Nikita Pillay.
"I love the Indian culture. It's so rich and colourful. November is special for us, celebrating the 150 years since our ancestors arrived. They came as slaves and are now leaders in so many sectors of society. I definitely feel proud," says the Phoenix teenager.
One of South Africa's favourite past times, having a braai, has become an integral part of celebrating Heritage Day.
"I like the tradition of Braai Day, and do make a point of attending some form of a braai. My favorite however is at Mzoli's in Gugulethu, nothing can beat celebrating the day with good meat, great music and an integrated crowd of South-Africans from all walks of life," says Marias.
"Sports, music, our 11 official languages, friendship and braais - this is the only country where we appreciate it, and brings everyone together," adds Mtshali.
