Winds of change …as Public Works’ Southern Region celebrates Heritage Day in style, Vusi Shabalala reports
Vusi Shabalala reports
It was a cool Friday afternoon but slight breezy atmosphere as the KZN Public Works’ Southern Region celebrated the Heritage month…in style.
Programme Director Mr Simphiwe Gina beating the piano at
random during Southern Region Heritage Day event
September marks the annual Heritage month celebrations in South Africa and the 24th of September being declared as national Heritage Day. However, the Southern Region management and personnel felt it also befitting to mark this historic day significantly by identifying the 21st of September 2012 as a day of celebrating our rich and colourful South African History in a multicultural throng of personnel and guests.
Above here is Mrs Cebile Buthelezi as she delivered a
welcoming and purpose briefing
As you entered the Southern Region event
venue, one would tell by the creativity of the
colourful tables that were full of various
meals prepared for all cultures, one would
tell that it was like a “delicatessen”.
The programme was scheduled for 13:00
and due to time management embedded in
that entire office, the Southern Regional
management and staff were indeed on time.
Messrs Simphiwe Gina and Ramnarain were
Programme Directors of the day. The
singing of the National Anthem was the first
order of the day in the opening of the
occasion as led by Mr Gina with his metallic
voice. He is not a staunch singer but he
would have reminded you of “Lou
Rawls”..for those who know and remember
how Lou Rawls sings the blues.
Ms Alta Koekemoer and Ms Innete Duncan on the dance floor
for a “Sokkie Dance”.
After the singing of the National Anthem the
hit was just on the nail as the programme
kicked-off. As we cruise through this
journey, Mrs C Buthelezi proffered
welcoming words inclusive of the real
purpose of the event ad why it being
celebrated at the Southern Regional Office.
Let me remind you that as speakers took to
the podium, there were no instructions as to
how one had to deliver his or her speech. As
speeches were delivered, one would also
sense and feel that the day in question -
Heritage Day – was recognizing some
aspects of South African culture which were
both tangible and difficult to analyse.
Furthermore, the speakers were full of that
zeal and zest, that vim and verve from their
creative expressions and poems. It was all
about our historical inheritance, language,
food we eat as well as the land we live in.
Mr Brandan Harper was the first to be on
board in responding to the programme as
he elucidated quite very brief on the
significance of Heritage Day and what it
meant to him.
Mr Brandon Harper above also had a fair share of time to
make a mark in his delivery note.
The programme was also well set and
planned in terms of speakers and
traditional items. One must also
acknowledge that the day was filled and
graced by bevy of beauties in their artful
bead wear and head gear with men also
geared in those colourful cultural and
customary attire and costumes from head to
toe notwithstanding to note that there were
those men who had their cultural shields
and assegai- that would remind you of
“Umlandu kaZulu” literally meaning “the
Zulu history” .
Ms Innette Duncan and Ms Alta Koekemoer
broke the ice as they came first on the dance
floor with the “Sokkie Dance”. As a piece of
“Afrikaans musik” was played, both
partners took to the stage, at that moment, I
was reminded of David Kramer, one of the
famous South African white favourite
musicians of the 80s and 90s also a
celebrity by then white communities. It was
a dance that took almost three to four
minutes which had all guests to proffer a
buzzing ovation. It was Heritage Day…in
style.
After the dance the two ladies, we cruised
further as Mrs Gladys Zondi also took to the
podium. She provided a profound speech in
isiZulu which had all that it takes to
understand the Zulu culture from all sides
of the dice. Her speech covered even issues
related to customary adherence by men and
women from the early stages of life, to
delinquent stage, teenage stage, middle or
upper one and the adulthood stages. It all
encompass the cycle of a Zulu maiden to a
mother and a Zulu boy to a warrior. I
remember she mentioned “ntombi-nto”
literally meaning “virgin”. After her speech
she then took to the dance floor with her
group where one enjoyed the vibe of
energetic women from Southern Region
doing their own thing… in style. This was a
day full of fun, joy and gaiety. I wish you
were there.
Above is Mrs Gladys Zondi delivered a very vibrant but
touching speech on cultural norms and morals.
As the Heritage Day ship cruised, the programme was then fulfilled by Mr H Ramaddhin and Mrs P Singh who delivered an Indian concept with a range of cultural issues that attest to the Indian world. It ranged from food, clothing, artefacts, prayer symbols, religion, health and morals. What also caught the eyes of guests was that the two speakers ended becoming competitors during a best dressed individual in Indian style. I remind you once more that this event was indeed a well class event of its kind. After the speech we were entertained by a group of four Indians dancers led by a very young, beautiful and vibrant girl by the name of Shenae Dewduth. The girl was indeed twinkle-little star as coordinated so fluently with the tune of the music. The way the group moved, twisted and danced you would have felt the body steam of Bollywood, as they swayed to the rhythm and sound of the tantalising music that was played. I must assure the girl was awesome. Remember, it is Southern Region as they celebrate Heritage Day…in style.
Above here is Mr Ramnarain who also served as Programme
Director
In spite of the momentum of the dance by the previous groups, the Programme Directors also kept their cool and momentum by sticking to the structure of the day’s programme.
Ms Thandeka Zondi who played a very pivotal role with her
committee members in ensuring the event ended being a
success.
We further continued our journey as our
minds focussed on the guest speaker of the
day, Dr RT Govender, Senior Manager from
the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and
Culture (not related to the KZN Public
Works’ HOD) who delivered a mouthwatering and brain feeding speech. I must
the gentleman was so eloquent that not
even a buzzing fly would detract one’s
attention and concentration from what Dr
Govender was saying.
In his opening remarks Dr Govender
commended Public Works as a leading
department in the Province that actually
and really honours the celebration of
Heritage month since its declaration by the
Government of the day. This in essence
reflects positive state of affairs for Public
Works in that it respects and honours the
cultural diversities taking into account the
management and personnel who serve this
department, the Province and its people
with pride.
Above: A bevy of beauties supported by big “gurus” who
magnified, electrified and enlightened the occasion as they
danced with pride
“With a broader social and political context,
the day’s events are a powerful gent for
promulgating a South African identity,
fostering reconciliation and promoting the
notion that variety is a national asset as
opposed to igniting conflict” he confirmed.
Furthermore, “heritage has defined as that
which we inherit: the sum total of wild life
and scenic parks, sites of scientific or
historical importance, national monuments,
historic buildings, works of art, literature
and music, oral traditions and museum
collections together with their documents”
attested Dr Govender.
According to Dr Govender he acceded to
Government’s approach on the celebration
of such commemorative days as he added
that “…every year the South African
Government chooses an appropriate theme
to celebrate Heritage Day. This year the
theme is: Celebrating our National Heroes,
then and now” he stressed.
Above: The guest speaker of the day, Dr R.T. Govender, Senior
Manager from the KZN Department of Arts & Culture
From his speech, it may be supported that as Public Works, we need to begin and continue to “celebrate our progressive constitution and no other country in the world is blessed with a constitution like ours” he bragged. In a nutshell we need to continue living “Ubuntu” and show the hospitality and warmth to fellow countrymen and visitors alike. In closure he complemented that this event is mostly about togetherness and teamwork, attributes that have helped to build the rainbow nation and that will keep the rainbow intact for years to come. It is of positive thinking for the Southern Regional Manager, Mr Mchunu to invite people of Dr Govender’s calibre who like many pillar bigwigs cement a strong bond amongst management and personnel in the public sector. Therefore, events like these are crucial platform for such purpose. As the programme reached it midway, a lot of dancing by various groups took the stage with enthusiasm and eagerness. Hereafter, Mrs Violet Mashiqa took charge of the podium to reflect on the Sotho tradition and culture. Mrs Violet Mashiqa elucidated with that high strong sense of elation that “we need to learn to understand one another and enjoy one’s cultures from a face value perspective” she acclaimed. After her speech, likewise she was joined by her group which received a standing ovation as they nearly mesmerised the gathering with the thunderous Xhosa art dance and their isiXhosa songs as cherry-on-top for the groove. Be reminded, the event was a cracker…a real cracker. There was no group or speaker who after giving a piece of cake to the guests had to take their respective sitting space without an applause or ovation. The atmosphere had its own “heritage” vibe.
Above is Mrs Violet Mashiqa when she delivered her SeSotho
concept and below is an Indian dance group led by a very
emerging energetic and intelligent Shenae Dewduth. A girl to
be proud of indeed !!
It would be equally appreciated to commend and take hats off for the organiser of the event who did a sterling job in the preparation of this outstanding occasion, including the Southern Region management led by Mr Thobuyise Mchunu
Above here are ladies on the dance floor
Above: A cultural dance that proved men can also do good
The last concept and dance for the before formal closure came from Ms Ncedisa Cekiso who showered the throng with the gift of isiXhosa culture and tradition. She stamped her authority as she delivered her part like the others. If one would notice with acceptance one would realise that the speakers were mostly of female dominance. This does not in any manner indicate the disregard of men in support of the event, it must be stressed that Southern Region men were in full swing. However, Ms Cekiso closed her part likewise with a dance group that also shook the district venue. No dance group was better or best to the other as the music, lyrics and rhythm is different and fits only the respective culture- hence “heritage” day.
Ms Ncedisa Cekiso on the podium giving a Xhosa tradition
concept
The last moment of the programme came at the appropriate time when the Southern Region Manager, Mr Thobuyise Mchunu was afforded podium and the audacity to rap the event. During his address, Mr Mchunu highlighted very special issues that would touch an individual when related to cultural diversity and understanding the heritage of South Africa. Amongst other issues raised were that people should begin to know the importance of the colours of the national flag. Added to this notion was the reason of celebrating using the national flag. As he was fine tuning the talk he even balanced his speech with some jokes so as to get all guests’ understanding of his closing remarks. He thanked all prominent guests who managed to respond to his invite, extended his appreciation and compliments to the Southern Region Organising Committee that all arrangements for the event a success. Before meals were about to be dished, the Regional Manager also had an audacity to run the last item of the programme being the “Best Dressed” personnel, both males and females who were at the event. This was not just a competition to outclass other people but a mere sincere competition of fulfilling the agility in staff to continue supporting “Heritage Day” celebrations across. In addition, to inculcate a sense of pride with your individual culture, its artefacts, traditional gear wear, its wear style and countenance. It was most encouraging to realise that not a single culture was isolated during this slot. There were winners at the end who walked away with prizes. This is just the beginning, things might be different next year as Mr Mchunu announced of his own initiative opinion that would seek to cross expose other people to other cultures and vice versa. This gesture was given a nod by most guests and members around and this may be a call for the next’ year’s Heritage Day celebration.
Above photos: Beautiful and vibrant ladies showcasing their
cultural dancing skills
Above and below: Regional Manager for Southern Region, Mr
Thobuyise Mchunu had his fair share to address guests.
The organizing committee members
At the end Mr Mchunu handed over the microphone to Mr G Mitchell who gave a vote of thanks hereafter it was a moment to taste food and other delicacy.
Here are some of the best dressed entrants
who were voted for at the end of the occasion
Indeed it was the winds of change ….as Southern Region celebrated the Heritage Day in style