09 September 2020
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Story Nitha Ramnath
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Photo istock
On 24 September 2020, South Africa will be celebrating Heritage Day. For the 25th anniversary of this celebration, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions in the wider context of a country that belongs to all its people. Dr Chitja Twala, Vice Dean: Faculty of Humanities at the UFS, alludes: “The importance of the day is that we must celebrate who we are and learn from each other.” The University of the Free State (UFS) has a long tradition of commemorating Heritage Day and the ideas underpinning it. One way in which the UFS celebrates and recognises the tapestry of its diverse cultures represented on its campuses is through its International Cultural Diversity Festival hosted by the
Office for International Affairs.
Pursuant to the tremendous challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic globally, this year, the International Cultural Diversity Festival will be celebrated in a virtual format. Even during this uncertain time, it is important to find time to celebrate our uniqueness and to appreciate one another’s heritage and culture in the spirit of our humanity.
For the 2020 Heritage month celebrations, let us share elements about ourselves that make us proud of who we are! Since the International Cultural Diversity Festival will be celebrated virtually, a call is hereby extended for all to share their unique experiences with us, such as that family recipe that only your grandma could make; or a song that only your mum could sing so well; that traditional regalia you got for your uncle’s wedding; or the tale that your grandfather shared with you every time you visited.
Contributions can take the format of recorded performing arts performances (e.g. a play, music or poetry reading), virtual visual art presentations, and written poetry or lyrics. Articles in the form of thought and opinion pieces and topical academic writings, which can also be published in mainstream media, are also invited. These should comprise a maximum of 1 200 words.
Please e-mail your contributions to Bulelwa Moikwatlhai at
MaloB@ufs.ac.za by Friday
18 September 2020.