Traditional leaders’ organisation, Contralesa, has expressed concern at what it calls moral decay amongst young people in the country. Contralesa President, Kgosi Larmeck Mokoena says this year’s heritage celebrations should be dedicated to teaching young people the African way of doing things.
South Africa celebrates its diverse heritage annually on 24 September. The country has eleven official languages, different cultural practices and most of the country’s people still believe and maintain their ancient cultural practices.
Mokoena says the emphasis should be on teaching young people about their origin to avert high moral decay. He says our history and heritage must also be preserved in writing.
“Heritage Day reminds us Africans of who we are and where we come from. Every nation that decides to look down upon their own history, culture, and tradition ends up adopting foreign culture.”
Mokoena has also encouraged people to embrace tolerance. He says the July unrest especially in the Phoenix area in KwaZulu-Natal is proof that South Africans are still divided.
About 36 people were killed in Phoenix during the unrest:
Mokoena says the country needs frank dialougue on social cohesion. “This day reminds us to be tolerant and respect our different cultures and practices. The Phoenix experience is a living and typical example of what can happen if we can’t tolerate each other other.”
Mokoena also reminded South Africans that this country was created on a rainbow nation foundation. Mokoena says no culture in South Africa undermines human dignity.
