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23 September 2008

Every year on 24 September, South Africa recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of our nation on National Heritage day. Our Western Cape celebrations usually provide opportunities to nurture cultural pride and inculcate a shared vision for promoting unity in diversity and reconciliation.

Dance is a prime means of artistic expression, expanding and exploring new territory. Therefore the 2008 Heritage day celebrations will be an expression of pride in multi national dance, promoting indigenous dance, and encourage new dancers, especially among the youth, to familiarise themselves with the various dance codes.

Our rich and unique cultural heritage has a profound power to promote national unity and strengthen nation building, reconciliation and patriotism. Our identity is born out of diversity, yet bound together by the values of democracy, equality and the values of our Constitution.

In South Africa, dance tells a story of the origin, evolution, growth and development of our society. It has the potential to transcend and unite all population groups regardless of their culture, race, creed, ethnicity, gender or age.

Different types of dance performances have and are still used in various ceremonies, events and rituals to express joy and happiness, pain and suffering, sorrow and grief or inspire bravery and courage.

Although cultural expressions are transmitted from generation to generation, every generation makes its own contributions to improvise and adapt the knowledge system. Different social, environmental and political contexts have influenced dance performances in South Africa.

Some dance forms are believed to be transcendental because their performers believe that they communicate with their God and/or ancestors through such dance forms. The dancing of the eland among the Khoi and San culminates in the state of trance which enables the performer or participant to connect with their deities (gods or ancestors).

But mostly dance performances are a showcase of physical strength and agility and such performances are believed to be keeping the body in good shape. It has also become a career through which people earn a living by entertaining and educating others.

As South Africa is a home to many different types of cultures, it is reflecting in our diverse dance performances, be it Kuthawuza, Dinaka Bapedi, Tshikona, Umxhenso, tiekiedraai, Pantsula, Cape minstrels, Indian dances and/or so many others.

Celebrating our dance heritage provides not only an opportunity to showcase diverse and unique heritage but also includes designs of costumes and dresses associated with various dance performances.

It also promotes understanding, tolerance, respect, unity, social cohesion and national identity and assists with an environment for the promotion and preservation of South Africa's artistic excellence.

Last night in Vredendal I was privileged to watch local cultural acts involving the Riel Dance, which is an indigenous west coast dance. This weekend the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in partnership with Umhlobo Wenene and the Robben Island museum, will also host a joint heritage day celebratory function at the Waterfront.

On behalf of the Department Cultural Affairs and Sport I invite you to join us this year on Heritage day to enhance the values that define our humanity and mobilise communities to act together in building a country and a province united in diversity.

Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 528 8278
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape Provincial Government
23 September 2008