South Africans came together on Sunday to celebrate Heritage Day through music, songs and dance. The event is celebrated every year on September 24 to showcase the country's diverse culture and traditions.

The South African government defines the "heritage" of "Heritage Day" to be culture, wildlife, artwork, literature, music, culinary traditions, and more. In 1996, the country's former president Nelson Mandela declared that Heritage Day would help South Africans use their "rich and varied cultural heritage" to "build a new nation." 

The Gauteng Province Premier, David Makhura, encouraged people of different nationalities living in the country to live peacefully. "Today our African brothers and sisters are showcasing their diverse culture and food. A day like this shows what we are as a continent. We want to send a strong message today, this our continent, and our world. We have to embrace diversity and live side by side as equals," he said.

Makhura also welcomed the Chinese, Argentinians, Peruvians, and Indians among many foreign guests present at the event. They were given a chance to perform different regalia and dance moves.

"Gauteng was built by migrant workers from various parts of the continent. Many came here to work in the mines from various parts. Without African migrant workers, we could not have these beautiful buildings we live in," he noted.

He also stated that South Africans should live peacefully with foreigners, to make it easy for South Africans to also go and work in various parts of the continent.

People from 54 African countries attended the carnival putting on their different traditional dress. Different types of foods were prepared and served during the carnival for free.

Marc Gbaffou, chairperson of the African Diaspora Forum (ADF) representing over 35 African nationalities living in South Africa hailed the carnival. He said the carnival show the rich cultural diversity Africa has.

"When we are here, we don't talk about nationalities, people are here because they want to celebrate different cultures. This is a platform to talk about Ubuntu (humanity) and embrace each other. Gauteng is a cosmopolitan society and we are happy to be here and show unity in our diversity."

Gbaffou called for those living in South Africa to unite and fight challenges facing them all like poverty, corruption and social problems,. He also said people should not allow social problems to divide them, and that they should support the Heritage Day celebrations.

(Top image credit to Pixabay)