November - Department of Defence

historyDiversified SANDFunites on Heritage Day36By Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaIt was a day when every ethnicgroup came together to showcasetheir culture's uniqueness throughart and dance. Heritage Day at theDOD Logistic Division on 19September was a meaningful culturalinteraction in the SANDF.Maj Gen Justice Nkonyane, Chief ofLogistic Division, said the essence ofthe day was to celebrate the diversecultural spectrum that God had givento the people."We are assembled here today in arich and impressive tapestry of colour,custom and tradition to mark nationalHeritage Day under the theme'Celebrating Dance, Our Heritage',"said Col Vuyisile Thafeni of the DODLogistic Division in his keynoteaddress. He said that the word heritagehad a number of meanings, butmore importantly, heritage referred totraditions, customs and practicesinherited from our ancestors. "FlowingTraditional Zulu dancers performing.S A S O L D I E R • NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8Colonel Vuyisile Thafeni giving hiskeynote address at the DODLogistic Division Heritage Day.from this definition, dance is animportant part of our intangible heritagefrom our ancestors."He emphasised the issues of SouthAfrican's low self-esteem and not takingpride in our rich cultural diversity.South Africans are a self-criticalnation. "We are always hard on our-selves." He strongly condemned the tendencyof seeking affirmation from peopleoutside the country about thingsconcerning South Africans and encouragedpeople to appreciate and embracetheir heritage and cultural diversity."Let me be bold and say, outsidersand/or strangers, whoever they may be,cannot be entrusted with the task ofdefining who we are or of telling ourstory to the world. We are the only peoplewho can tell our story to the worldwith the necessary eloquence and effectiveness,"Col Thafeni said.The other challenge was to addressHuman Resource policies with regard tocultural diversity and practices. This isbecause some of the policies do notaccommodate cultural beliefs, which,however, may affect a person's wellbeing.Col Thafeni cited an example ofmembers not being able to get leave as aresult of utilising the services of a traditionalhealer or having a calling tobecome a traditional healer."As we speak, we have a WO1 whohas gone for training as a traditionaldoctor. She could not be booked off sickbecause current policy does not view'calling' or 'Ukuthwasa' as an illness forwhich a person can be booked off. Shehas not been receiving her pay for thepast two months now, with the attendantsuffering. I think the sooner werealise and perhaps accept that theSANDF and indeed South Africa is partof central or western Europe, the betterit would be for all of us. We do not needto preach diversity, we need to genuinelyembrace diversity."The day was followed by rhythmicdances of an artistic nature from the participantsof different ethnic groups,including competition and displays.People expressed their true devotion tothe love they possessed for their beliefsand values that serve as a day-to-dayguide in their everyday lives.