Ngolo Primary pupils learn about different traditions and cultures on Heritage Day

Ngolo Primary School marked Heritage Day with a vibrant programme of traditional dress, food and performances that highlighted South Africa’s diverse cultures.

Pupils represented Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho traditions, as well as Indian culture, in a celebration designed to foster unity and pride.

Principal Sikona Mbalo said the event aimed to underline the significance of Heritage Day for both the school and the country.

“It’s an important day for us, not only as a school but also as South Africa as a whole, given our complex history of oppression and apartheid,” he said.

When you have a better understanding of where you come from, you’re less likely to lose focus on where you’re going

This year the school chose to feature three SA cultural groups and one international tradition to broaden pupils’ knowledge.

Mbalo said the plan was to highlight different communities each year so that pupils continued to value their heritage.

Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic era, he said: “We had high hopes, but over the years things changed, and many issues became mixed with politics, leading to a loss of interest in Heritage Day.”

He added that he hoped the younger generation would continue to appreciate their cultural roots as they learnt about them at school.

Pupils said they enjoyed exploring different traditions.

Grade 6 pupil Luniko Mdiya, who represented Zulu culture, said she gained a new appreciation for its customs, food and attire.

“I learnt that all Zulu tribes are now united because of King Shaka, and they respect their customs,” she said. “When they host events, men wear traditional attire and women wear beads.”

Grade 2 pupil Lihlume Ngcanasa said she was fascinated by the Indian culture she represented.

“I learnt that Indians eat samosas and biryani. Their time for prayer is one o’clock and they always pray at the temple,” she said.

Community members also reflected on the importance of heritage.

Hazel Flekisi, 76, expressed concern about the erosion of traditional values.

“People now don’t value traditions and customs as they did in the olden days,” she said.

“They’ve adopted more Western traditions, which can be detrimental to children as they may take up practices far removed from their cultural heritage.”

Mbalo praised the diversity on display and said the event had been well received by parents.

“Respecting one another and learning to live together is crucial, especially given our diverse tribes,” he said.

“The feedback from parents was positive and they appreciated the knowledge their children gained from the event.”