Culture is the most important aspect of our lives as it is the customs and beliefs, art, way of life and social organization of a particular group. Every ethnic group in South Africa has their own culture.
The question is, Does the new generation value culture and live their life according to it? Do they consider culture as their way of life like their great grandmothers? Well the issue of culture to me raises many questions than answers. The youth of today no longer embrace who they are culturally. They have lost the whole meaning of being a true African and knowing where they come from. To me not knowing anything about your culture means you do not know who you are and where you come from.
We have adopted the style of only celebrating our culture and who we are during heritage day. Is that all we are giving to ourselves as black Africans? Do we really have to celebrate ourselves only on heritage day? Do we take pride on who we are? Sadly the answer to all this questions is no. The youth of today would rather adopt foreign cultures and practice them than that of their own.
I think the new generation needs to be taught about the importance of culture by their parents. They need to be taught what it means to be black, being African and belonging in that particular ethnic group. I am a lucky young woman who has been lucky enough to grow up in a family that values culture. I belong to the Ndebele tribe and I was taught at a young age what it means to be a Ndebele woman. I wear my colourful Ndebele attire and walk proud because I know who I am and where I come from.
I can imagine how beautiful, colorful South Africa would be if we would go back to the days of our great grand mothers. I can imagine a South Africa that practice ubuntu, how warm and lovely of a country it would be. I can imagine a South Africa where each and ever one of us takes pride on who we are and where we come from. I can imagine a generation that lives according to their norms and values. Not only would it be a beautiful country but it would be a country where the elderly respects the young and the young respects the elderly.
It would be a country that knows what it means to be a true African and we would know that we deserve to celebrate ourselves everyday with pride.
Audio : https://soundcloud.com/user-240933016/youth
Pictures taken from : http://www.africancraftsmarket.com/african-tribes/shona-people.html
https://www.viator.com/Durban-tourism/Ways-to-Experience-Zulu-Culture-in-Durban/d315-t11745