BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

MANTHE Community came out in numbers to celebrate Heritage Day at a local community hall in Mathe village near Taung on Saturday. The event was organised by Tumi Candy Trading Enterprise and other stakeholders.

One of organisers, Boitumelo Motimeng said heritage plays a pivotal role within the society. He said the society needs to safeguard the heritage.

“Our African heritage is under threat because of westernization. We decided to organise this event in remembrance of our heritage. We used to have Taung Cultural Calabash as one of the key proceedings in addressing social cohesion through heritage. However, it seems it is no more hence we came up with this.

Picture: (Gaamangwe Pinase Kgope on the stage sharing her views on Heritage Day)

“We believe that if we go back to basics, we will have a decorous society. Our youth will benefit from the event. We are tackling socio-economic issues that affect the youth through this event. We teach them the importance of heritage and how it can benefit them,” he said.

Motimeng who is a professional nurse said there is a cultural difference across ethnic groups. He added that cultural assortment is what South Africa has as the country.

“We also taught our community about cultural beliefs and what role they play nowadays especially in our health. There are things that were traditionally being applied in the past to address health issues. However, nowadays some of them are outdated.”

Gaamangwe Pinase Kgope also shared the same sentiments. Kgope said heritage can assist in narrowing the huge gap between parents and children.

“Our children are lost and bemused at the same time. However, if we continue to celebrate heritage, we will ensure that they know their identity. We need to know our identity as Africans in order to know where we are going. Engaging with elderly people will also be integral in knowing your identity. By conserving our heritage, we will be securing the future of our next generation,” Kgope added.

Another attendee, Lorato Reetseng said: “Heritage, tradition and culture go hand-in-hand. I believe that heritage can be fundamental also in marriages. You need to know the tradition, the culture and the clan of your in-laws. It will be effortless for you to adapt and understand what is expected from you. So, let us continue to do our utmost on this matter.”

Batlhaping High School pupil, Katlego Khunou said: “I have learnt a lot from this event. As a 16 year-old girl, I’ve already know what is expected from me as a girl child. I learnt a lot and also advice others to partake in events like this. Knowing our heritage and culture is key.”

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