Article and Images by Bonginkosi Nhaca
ARCHIE GUMEDE CONFERENCE CENTRE: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works’ Ethekwini Region recently demonstrated its subscription and staunch support towards promotion of cultural diversity.
Prior to the very end of the Heritage Month - on Friday, 29 September 2023, Departmental officials from a diverse set of backgrounds and cultures gathered at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre – Mayville, in commemoration of Heritage Day (HD).
The HD event was held in line with the theme, “Embrace Diversity and Educate One Another Through Entertainment.”
The editorial content narrated and confined in this particular epistle, confirms that, the Department values and promotes diversity in the workplace, which among others includes race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, language, gender and disability.
Setting the tone for the day, the relevant Regional Director, Mr Simphiwe Blose officially declared the programme opened under the spirit of togetherness.
Among live performances recorded, the programme saw a mock Indian-African Wedding Ceremony taking place in the form of a theatre stage play. Well-wishers were overjoyed to observed the matrimonial proceedings between a Zulu lady and an Indian guy.
In this stunningly arranged drama series, the lady was taught respect at home and later warmly welcomed by the Naidoo family, which is a demonstration of unity in diversity and respect for culture.
Scores of elated participants representing their respective District Offices which fall under the same region, took turns to demonstrate the wherewithal to showcase the work-of-the-genius during slots allocated for traditional performances.
The above was accompanied by a rare procession depicting different Nguni, Ndebele and Kikimbe cultures coupled with a calvacade of traditional dances. Other components rendered Amahubo and poetry which included King Shaka’s Praises, titled, Izibongo zeNkos’ uShaka and related poetic verses.
A myriad of cuisine choices prepared for the day resembled all cultures and traditions which are normally celebrated across racial lines and existing ethnicities in society. Traditional attire, ceremonial regalia, decoration installed at the dining hall and Departmental branding set-up turned the event venue into a culturally-diversified zone of a special kind.
Mr Blose in his capacity as the day’s Independent Electoral Observer presided-over the Heritage Day Celebration Competition and made the official announcement of results with - Ethekwini Region taking position 1, becoming the champions, Professional Service component took position 2, followed by, Ilembe District as number 3, respectively.
“Wow what a masterpiece,” exclaimed a certain patron seated adjacent to the Newsflash Reporter during the day’s proceedings, adding that, Zimnandi Ngokuphindwa, which loosely translates, success enjoyed by all is more likely to be repeated.
Event organiser, Ms Mdunge extended a word of abundant appreciation to the Regional Director for giving a smart nod of approval, which presented certification for such a prestigious event to materialise.
She further appreciated the amount of dedication displayed by all relevant components as part of a united approach in implementation of this high-status programme.
Some better-placed sources of information attest that, loyal Newsflash readers have been waiting on tenterhooks for publication of this attention-grabbing news article, which shows great investment of our readers’ hearts to preservation of culture.
