Diversity
is a slice of a sweet and sour cake, known to many as life. However, there is
more to this cake than meets the taste. Diversity is made from a priceless
recipe. Its flavours are unique and difficult to gather, yet it brings a nation
together. Former president Nelson Mandela said in 1996, “When our first
democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our
national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural
heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation”. Mandela went on to
refer South Africa as a rainbow nation of which it is indeed.

Traditional
instruments sound a distance away as I approach Anderson Hall. The earth shakes
as the instruments build in rhythm. The sounds increase in pace as I start
climbing the stairs to the lobby. Yes, it’s that time of the year when cultural
pride is tattooed on all five senses. September 24th 2012 is here and the mind
is saying, “today I take you back to the great motherhood roots”.
Inside the hall the soft seats relax my mind
and body, while music starts to play. Flag bearers start walking down the aisle
carrying their respective countries’ flags to the front. China, Brazil, South
Africa, United States of America, India, Italy, Switzerland, Germany,
Philippines, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia, Cameroon, Argentina,
Indonesia, Botswana, Malawi, Madagascar; such diversity is surely unique on
such a small campus as Helderberg. A buzz of noise vibrates the room as
the congregation rises to the respected national anthems. A young boy gazes at
the empty canvas ceiling above as he sings the South African national anthem
louder than most: a little solo you might say. The clock seems to be moving
faster now as the last anthem is sang.

The
celebrations conclude from the hall, but as lunch approaches, a glance at the
programme says Traditional Meals in Cafeteria. Like a flock of hungry vultures,
the crowd rushes to the cafeteria where cuisines from around the world await
them. The cafeteria was suffocated with beautiful aromas from all over the
world. The dishes stood out on tables as the crowds increased in the building.
Samples are given to anyone who wants, the Brazilian table present two dishes
named pastel and the other Bobó de camarão. A South African table further away
displays a traditional Zulu dish called the isit shulu, a very delicious lamb
stew. The mouth-watering lamb concludes a perfect celebration of cultural pride
and diversity.
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