PRETORIA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Africans and foreigners living in the country on Sunday converged in different parts of the country to celebrate the Heritage Day through music, songs and dance.
The day is celebrated every year on September 24 to showcase diverse culture and traditions. 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. The 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 mother nationalities who took part in the Heritage Day carnival. They were given a chance to perform and they showcased 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 said.
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 said people should not allow social problems to divide them. He said they support the Heritage Day celebrations.
