Newsmakers celebrate Heritage Day: How they pay tribute

NASIPHI MOYA: Embracing Cultural Roots in the City

Tshwane’s deputy mayor, Nasiphi Moya, shares her thoughts on the importance of staying connected to one’s cultural roots, especially in a metropolitan environment. As a proud Xhosa woman, she finds ways to preserve her culture by engaging in activities such as speaking her home language, reading African literature, listening to traditional music, and enjoying meals that remind her of home.

In her role as deputy mayor, Moya emphasizes the importance of honoring the diverse cultures present in Tshwane, which include sePitori, Sepedi, Zulu, Tsonga, Venda, and Afrikaans. She believes that celebrating cultural diversity is essential for creating a harmonious community.

Moya stresses the significance of events like Heritage Day in fostering a sense of identity and belonging. By participating in activities that showcase indigenous heritage, such as wreath-laying ceremonies and indigenous games festivals, she highlights the importance of preserving and honoring one’s cultural heritage.

For Moya, the key to maintaining one’s cultural identity lies in actively engaging with traditions and customs, even in an urban setting. By celebrating and embracing diversity, she believes that the loss of cultural heritage can be prevented.