The Mbhashe Local Municipality in Dutywa’s mayor, Councillor Samkelo Janda, said they had launched Ilifa Lo’Mbhashe Heritage Month, which consists of a variety of activities taking place this month.
The municipality hosted a media briefing where they outlined the plans they had for this month. They have already hosted the Packa-Ching Buy Back Centre Launch on September 4, which was followed by Vulture Counting @ Colleywobbles on September 5 and 6, and the Eastern Amathole Agricultural & Food Trade Fair on September 6.
According to Janda, they will host different activities with the aim of showing the beauty of areas within this municipality.
“Annually, in South Africa, the month of September is earmarked to celebrate our rich heritage as we showcase our diverse cultures and heritage. This is a time when we are encouraging the people of this municipality to learn about their heritage, culture, national symbols, flags, traditional wear, and many things that define our people.
“This year’s heritage month coincides with the 30 years of freedom celebrations where part of our objectives is to mobilise collective ownership of our 30 years of democracy by all South Africans and sectors of society,” said Janda.
He added that this will involve encouraging sectors to develop and implement their own celebration plans that will link to the broader national celebration. He confirmed that the month of September also marks Tourism Month, which is celebrated annually to promote domestic travel and showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings.
According to Janda, part of Heritage Month’s planned activities is in line with ensuring the tourism sector benefits from everyone that will flock to this municipality.
Tourism Day will be celebrated under the theme “Thirty years of connecting people to places and cultures”.
“During Heritage Month, South Africans celebrate our many diverse cultures and our rich heritage, which incorporates African, Asian, and European cultures and traditions. As we are outlining all of the upcoming planned programmes, it is with great pleasure to mention that we have partnered with various stakeholders to ensure we strengthen relations with a variety of stakeholders,” said Janda.
The events that will be held are as follows:
Tree Planting at Gem Primary School
- Ilifa Lo’Mbhashe Hiking and Fun Run on September 18
- Ilifa Lo’Mbhashe Heritage Tour on September 19
- Inkciyo ka Xhosa at Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale from September 19 to 21
- Ilifa Lo’Mbhashe Music Festival and Flea Market in Dutywa on September 20
- Bomvana National Summit in Xhora on September 21,
- King Hintsa Memorial Lecture in Dutywa on September 23
- Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations on September 24
