Head Office employees revealed their diversity talents and embraced each other’s culture during Heritage Day held at Head Office Auditorium on 20 September 2018. The event was organised by the Department as the way of embracing cultural diversity in the workplace by encouraging employees to showcase their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions as part of South Africa’s identity of "many cultures, one nation".
The employees responded positively to this call and proudly displayed their cultural diversity through a variety of colourful outfits. Chief Director of Corporate Services, Mr PW Duma welcomed all present and outlined the purpose of the day. He said, "We are gathered here today to celebrate where we come from and to understand each other’s culture." He also said events of this nature is necessary to revive the spirit of Ubuntu, encourage respect for one another, while promoting the culture of discipline amongst individuals.
Mr Innocent Meyiwa from Human Resource Administration, revealed the history of the Zulu Kingdom in more details by emphasising the role and the influence of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona in uniting various clans into a cohesive Zulu nation as we know it today. He also shared some insights about how some places were named after King Shaka’s incidents around those areas. He cited examples such UMlaza, Amanzamtoti which he could not pronounce it as nice water "amnandi" because the King’s mother was Queen Nandi. The King preferred the use of "amtoti" in respect of the Queen Mother. Most employees who attended the event were enlightened about the informative history shared by Mr Meyiwa.
As the event progresses, Head Office officials took turns on the stage to showcase their talents in activities such as Bollywood dance, Zulu Dance, Play and Isicathamiya.
The Department invited two guest’ speakers – one to address the impact of culture on issues of Gays and Lesbians. Mr Sphelele Ntshiba spoke about a number of challenges encountered by this community due to cultural stereotypes and encouraged tolerance and acceptance of gays and lesbians in our communities. Another speaker, Dr R. Govender from the KZN Department of Arts and Culture emphasised respect for cultural diversity, beliefs and traditions, which he said they must be embraced in the working environment.
The event was officially closed by Corporate Services Chief Director who commended the organisers, the invited guests and officials for great talents displayed.
