The word heritage stems from the word inheritance, which is something of value that has been passed down from generation to generation. South Africa is rich in heritage and even has heritage sights. Such as The Cradle of Humankind, The Maropeng caves which have drawn tourists from all over the world.
Heritage then becomes a unifying factor which celebrates diversity. South Africa has a variety of cultures such as Isizulu, Setswana among many others along with different cultures are 12 official languages which South Africans identify with. They take pride in dressing up and promoting their respective cultures. The vibrancy of the color in the Ndebele cultural attire and the intricate beaded work in the Isizulu and Sepedi culture telling of an origin reaching far within the human soul. A narrative that captivates the essence of what it means to be South African. Since culture evolves and is dynamic the term South African has moved well beyond describing the indigenous to encompassing all its diverse inhabitants in the heritage mix.
Heritage is about leaving a footprint and having a story told through folklore and tales of our predecessors, and how they roamed the South African landscape, a land flowing with provisions, a land of plenty where poverty used to be a foreign concept. Where deep within its belly is buried unending treasures. Of gold, diamonds and other precious gems. Heritage tells of a history a painful past, of racial segregation which incarcerated many minds and added to the rhetoric of a people so different and yet alike in many ways. Drums sounding from the distance its sound reverberating through the different cultures like a chord capturing those who hear it and cheers heard showing what it means to be truly South African.
Lorraine Moremi
Soweto Sunrise News
