Africa-Press – South-Africa. Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for unity among citizens, for the country to uphold non-racialism, and to celebrate its diversity.
Mashatile gave the keynote address at the government’s main Heritage Day celebrations in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.
At a rain-soaked Princess Magogo Stadium – an arena named after the late IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s mother – Mashatile told the audience to remember that South Africa was “united in our diversity”.
His talk echoed the event’s official theme: “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa”.
“We belong to great men and women, who stood and fought for the South Africa of our dreams. A South Africa that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and, indeed, a prosperous society. We are one people,” Mashatile said.
He added that this year’s Heritage Day theme was necessary for the country to reflect on its democratic journey and to “embrace the complexities that come with nation-building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future”.
Mashatile said:
“Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations toward embracing unity and diversity, and showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction.”
Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen spent his Heritage Day in the Cape Town suburb of Mitchells Plain.
He wore an apron and cooked potjiekos – in a small, cast-iron pot – at a local competition.
The DA delegation shared the food with residents of a nearby nursing home.
Steenhuisen said: “Getting people back on their feet by getting them into jobs is the best way to build resilience against food and other price shocks.”
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