Renowned cultural expert, Professor Musa Xulu, says South Africans need to adopt a broader manner of thinking, in terms of celebrating Heritage Day.
Professor Xulu says this day grants South Africans the opportunity to create good neighbourliness with other African countries, as they yearn to connect with locals.
“There is a lot of our people who left when Shaka was king, and they are now found in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Malawi. They are aching to reconnect with us in South Africa. These are not just our neighbours; they are our relatives,” says Professor Xulu.
South Africa commemorates Heritage Day today, recalling the passing of King Shaka Zulu, who was killed by members of the Zulu Royal Family in 1828 at the age of 41.
“King Shaka was killed by members of the Royal Zulu Family on the 23rd of September 1828, in the afternoon, but then messengers who were sent to go and report to white people in Durban, arrived on the morning of the 24th,” explains Professor Xulu.
The expert adds that culture bears the identity of people, and that it is important for everyone to embrace their culture and equip themselves with sufficient knowledge regarding it.
“People who do not understand their own culture, and do not embrace it, are usually disorientated in terms of socio-economic issues,” says Professor Xulu.
Xulu says in addition to actively celebrating culture and heritage on this day, South Africans should be aware of their cultures’ power to erect a united nation and consequently empower the youth.
“Cultural awareness should be taught in schools, churches, and everywhere society meets so that the future is built from what we have. Culture sometimes becomes the only thing that people have,” says Professor Xulu.
He believes that the merger of heritage tourism and economics is pertinent for a successful contribution towards the country’s economic growth.
Professor Xulu concludes that South Africa’s heritage needs to be used positively for the benefit of society and to bolster the country’s economy.
“There is a lot of potential, especially for digital industries in the heritage sector. There is also lots of potential for using heritage for doing urban regeneration and create human settlements for the youth, especially students, within city centers around the country,” says Professor Xulu. Written by Odirile Rabolao
Written by: Lindiwe Mabena
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