In South Africa, the 24th of September marks Heritage Day, a day that celebrates the diversity of our country's cultures. Along with promoting cultural diversity, this day seeks to foster social cohesion, reconciliation, and unity amongst the people of the country. It is also used to educate fellow citizens about the histories of our cultures in various ethnic groups. 
On this day people clad in their different traditional attires, cooking traditional foods, hosting cultural events and for some, it presents a chance to have their long-awaited traditional wedding ceremonies.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, Soshanguve Secure Care Centre employees held its Heritage Day Celebration on 23 September.

The centre was adorned with brightness as employees came dressed in their different colorful traditional clothing and shared their ways of living.

Speaking at event, Principal Social Worker, Ms Mabelane, a proud Zulu woman, shared the earliest examples of cultural unity in South Africa. "This was under the rule of the King Shaka, who played a vital role in uniting smaller tribes into one cohesive Zulu nation in KwaZulu Natal",

She added that a rite a of passage for young Zulu girls. "Umemulo is a ceremony that celebrates a young Zulu girls' coming of age. The girl will have her breasts uncovered while wearing "umhlwehlwe" as guests gift her with money".

Maserame Motene of the Batswana culture spoke about her culture's staple foods. The Batswana usually eat "morogo"-boiled spinach, "bogobe. batingi"- a type of porridge made with sorghum, and "shot"- shredded or pounded meat. These foods are usually served at traditional Tswana ceremonies with the people wearing clothing made from the "leteitsi" material.

The center’s children also participated in the festivities with the Fantastic Five, a group of three Afrikanner boys, educating guests on their favourite traditional foods. "The Boer people like to eat "braai-vleis" and garlic bread. We also like to do a lot of farming by driving our tractors and bakkies around the farm" expressed one of the boys. Their presentation was finished off with a performance of the widely known Afrikaans song "De La Rey", sang by Bok Van Blerk.

Throughout the event speakers emphasized the importance of people knowing about their cultures as it is a person's identity and connects that people to their ancestors" said Motene.

Ms Nkutshweu also encouraged the guests, especially the young children, to embrace and respect the other cultures of South Africa as it is written in our constitution.