Head Office Celebrated Cultural Diversity
Head Office officials celebrated Heritage Day which of their culture, diversity of beliefs and
different traditions were at the centre of the occasion. The event was held at the Auditorium at
the department’s Head Office on 19 September 2019. This was a fun filled gathering that united
officials of different race, religion, language, ethnicity, social origins and culture in
commemorating and observing their diverse cultural heritage. During the occasion, Dr Gaster
Sharpley, the Head of the Department, encouraged officials to respect, support and embrace
diversity as well as culture, “Our country is a mixed diversity of different people and what is
different now is the level of tolerance and respect for the diversity. The strongest pillar of our
South African culture is our ability to forgive, understand pain and how to deal with it.” HOD said.
The event was celebrated under the theme ‘Celebrating South Africa’s literacy classics in the year
of indigenous languages.” The Heritage Day offers all citizens the opportunity to celebrate their
diverse backgrounds whilst accepting backgrounds that are different from their own. The day also
recognizes and celebrates the cultural wealth of our South African Nation. The Programme
Directors of the day, Ms Portia Hadebe and Mr Theo Pillay kept the event running smoothly from
start to finish.
Amid the shortened programme, officials from various sections creatively displayed their dance
art in line with their respective customs and traditions. One must indicate that the colour and
glamour of women in their outfit and dresses kept them quite beautiful and appealing. It was also
fascinating to be part of a positive event that got the session, mood and spirits vivaciously. Some
officials with individual brilliance, energy and stealth, displayed their incredible talents by
performing to their highest peak. This was cultural diversity at its best.
As the joyous memento unfolded, Ms. Sherilee Matthews from Legal Services Directorate recited
a beautiful poem called ‘Rise Mama Africa Rise’; in jubilation, officials expressed their excitement
and appreciation. The Director for Professional Services, Dr Stanley Gichia who is originally from
Kenya shared an insightful information on the culture and tradition of Kenya. It was quite
interesting to learn the origins and cultural practices of other nation, Dr Gichia revealed that Kenya
became independent from Britain in 1963 and currently the country has the population of
52.8million with 42 ethnic groups.
Portia and Theo – masters of ceremony on the day were such a perfect pair in the handling of the
event. They meticulously managed to seamlessly co-ordinate key components of the programme.
The most interesting part was their true wisdom of initiative ideas – when they randomly selected
attendees to freely express their individual dress make-up and perfumes. The duo was so
appropriate to etiquette and protocol, how they made announcements, introduced speakers and
entertainers, keeping time and most importantly, setting the tone and professionalism of the
event. Thanks to their individual prowess.
At the end of the event, the Director for Enterprise Risk and Integrity Management, Ms. Reinette
Harris delivered a vote of thanks to all guests and participants, with special reference to those who
participated and made the event a success.