STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg celebrated Heritage day on Thursday, 21 September. The aim of the celebration was to appreciate and recognize different cultural groups in the hospital and unity in the provision of quality health care irrespective of colour ethnicity. The hospital Chief Executive Officer, Portia Tlou highlighted the importance of appreciating and recognizing the diverse culture in South Africa. She also encouraged staff members to learn different languages that South African have to offer. “As an institution we have even non-South Africans working here and there is need to embrace and learn their culture”, lamented Tlou. Explaining the culture of the Xhosas, Nokhwezi Mele, explained the significance of their dress code and how a married person should dress as opposed to unmarried people.
The Swati tribe was represented by Nomthandazo Dlamini, recited her clan names and elaborated on the attire and the meal she prepared. Representing the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr Kamuanya Bibiche lema, explained the different languages spoken in Congo and French being the official language. She indicated that there are four other languages which are prominent in Congo which are, Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swayili. Batswana was represented by Boitumelo Taetso explained the rituals and processes pertaining to marriages. He explained the significance of this processes in ensuring that the marriage and celebration processes are attained smoothly. Different cultures displayed their food for tasting and the Xhosa culture emerged as the overall winner followed by the Congolese culture.
