Heritage Day on September 24th recognizes and celebrates our country’s rich culture. South Africans celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the South African population. To commemorate this day, various events are held all over the country. UKZN staff members took part in various Heritage Day celebrations throughout the different campuses and colleges.

Nothing brings people together like good laughs and food, and our Heritage Day celebrations were nothing short of that. The School of Chemistry and Physics came together showcasing their heritage through their attires and had colourful displays of food that represented their heritage. The staff members came together with some students and dressed to the nines showing off their heritage. They formed seven different groups which represented various cultures and set up their stations in accordance to that culture. The foods ranged from Jeqe (steamed bread,) to umqombothi (Zulu beer), to scones with jam, to lamingtons, to mopane worms, to Pali and some vegetarian eats.

The guest judges for the day were none other than Pietermaritzburg campus director, Professor Albert Modi and Academic Administrative Officer Mrs Mildred Nzimande. The judges received an invite to the celebration and unbeknownst to them, they were actually there to judge the groups which made the process quite unique. There were two teams which came out on top and they had to fight for their spot at the top through song and dance.  What a scene it was…

The last thing left to do was to eat and enjoy the rest of the day.

 Words:  Cindy Chamane