By ROBYN APOLLUS
Correctional Service representatives from several outlying towns – including Stutterheim, King William’s Town, Fort Beaufort and Middledrift – converged on Makhanda to participate in a colourful Heritage Month event at the Waainek Prison on 28 September.
This included dressing up in traditional attire, reciting poetry, competing in a traditional cuisine cook-off, and integrated traditional dances with a theme of Umendiso (marriage).
The Amathole Management Area Choir performed their song of choice, “We serve with pride”, guided by the Correctional Services Music Association.
Thembela Fumba, the commissioner of Amathole Management Area, said: “Today is a revival of why we need to be proud of who we are. We to celebrate our diversity, and we need to celebrate Ubuntu and African values.
“Back then, it was said, to raise a child is everybody’s business. It takes the village to raise a child. We are saying masibuyele embo – let’s go back. Masithi xa sikhulisa abantwana sazi uba umtana wam ngowakho. Xa esenza into e-wrongo, mkhuze. (We must know my child is your child. When they do something wrong, reprimand them.).
“This is our South Africa. Sikwi phondo lengqwele. Masibe no mohluko (We are in the province of legends. Let’s make a difference).”
The day was filled with colour, joyful noise, pride and unity.
“This is beautiful – this cultural celebration,” said Thabo Mofokeng, a member of the Middeldrift Correctional Centre offices.
