CELEBRATING THE RICHNESS OF OUR DIVERSITY
September is a month of celebration in South Africa. South Africa has often been referred to as the Rainbow nation. Over the years the term ‘rainbow’ has also been used to promote social cohesion, tolerance and to celebrate South Africa’s rich diverse cultural heritage.
On Sunday, 24 September 2017, South Africa celebrates National Heritage Day. It is a day in which all South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa. On this day many South Africans celebrate their heritage by wearing traditional attires, performances from various cultures are held throughout the country and eating of traditional foods is encouraged.
NAPTOSA is a leading teacher organisation that prides itself in the diversity of its membership-a true reflection of the demographics of the country. Throughout the year NAPTOSA celebrates the richness of South Africa’s diversity. Many teachers across the country find themselves in the fortunate position of engaging with learners and fellow educators from diverse cultural background. This provides an opportunity to enhance teaching and learning in our schools.
NAPTOSA believes that every one of South Africa‘s diverse cultural heritages has played an important role in forming our national identity and that of NAPTOSA in particular. It is through deliberate attempts to recognise and celebrate others’ heritage and cultures that all South Africans can contribute towards the creation of a united nation and deepen the richness of our collective heritage.
It is in this spirit that NAPTOSA encourages its members and all South Africans to celebrate heritage month by:
-Learning another South African language;
-Wearing the traditional attire of a different culture or
-Visiting the following top ten South African heritage sites, namely, the Castle of Good Hope and Robben Island (WC); Vredefort Dome (FS); uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KZN) ; Cradle of Humankind (GP); Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (LIMP); Pilgrim’s Rest (MPU); Nelson Mandela Museum (EC); Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, (NC).