Phola– Mabande Sports Ground was full of colour and culture as the SoGhutjhe Royal House hosted a Heritage Day celebration on 24 September 2025.
Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, emphasised the importance of preserving culture. “We must honour our heritage because it is our foundation. It tells the story of who we are and guides us in the journey of who we are becoming,” she said.
The sense of pride was visible as families gathered together, waving their cultural flags, and singing along to ancestral songs. The occasion highlighted that heritage is not just an annual event but a way of life that should be honoured every day.
Presenter of Ikwekwezi FM January Mawaza Kabini addressed the importance of remembering our forebears. “When we celebrate heritage, we are not only honouring ourselves but also paying respect to those who came before us. It is their struggles and wisdom that allow us to stand with dignity today,” he said.
Traditional food played a central role in the celebration. From steaming pots of samp and beans to freshly tripe, the aroma drew everyone closer to the communal tables. The food was shared not only to fill bellies but also to remind people of the importance of Ubuntu.
Former Indoni Ndebele Queen 2024, Buhle Bafunani Masango, encouraged the youth to take pride in their cultural roots. “Being young does not mean you must forget who you are. Our culture is not old-fashioned, it is alive, and it must live through us as young people,” she told the crowd. “We can study, work, and live in a modern world, but still carry our traditions with us. It is possible to embrace the future while holding our heritage close to our hearts.”
Ndabezitha Sipho Mahlangu of the SoGhuthje Royal House spoke about the value of remembering one’s roots. “Knowing where you come from gives direction to where you are going. Heritage is not a thing of the past; it is the foundation of the future,” he said. “We must live in a way that when we are gone, the next generation finds strength in our legacy. To forget where you come from is to lose who you are.”
