By: Poelano Malema
September 24 marks Heritage Day in South Africa. It is a day aimed at promoting and embracing the many cultures that exist within the country.
South Africa has eleven official languages and four major ethnic groups: Nguni (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, and Swazi), Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Venda.
Kaya 959’s presenter, MaBlerh Salvatore, is a proud Zulu who also has Southern Sotho ancestry.
“My heritage is of Zulu (Partenal) and Southern Sotho (Martenal) ancestry. A descendant of the Nguni people from Central Africa,” says MaBlerh.
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The Kaya Weekends presenter says 24 September is a very important day for him as he remembers the former leader of the Zulu nation, Shaka Zulu.
“I do not necessarily celebrate “Heritage Day”. I honour the death of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona the founding father of the Zulu Nation. 24 September is documented as the day he was assassinated by his brothers,” says MaBlerh.
The radio personality says what makes him appreciate being South African is the rich history the country has.
“What makes me proud of my heritage is our rich history and culture.
“I still wish that it was properly documented and studied in early phases of school as there is so much to be proud of there. Young Black women in South Africa can learn about strong women like Mkabayi kaJama who were revered leaders in a patriarchal society. Women who shaped what is the modern-day Zulu nation,” says the star.
Mablerh’s message to South Africans this Heritage Day is for unity within the different cultures.
“My message to South Africa on this day is that we are a beautiful melting pot of cultures and there is a lot that we can learn from each other, let’s do that.
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“Let’s continually celebrate and respect each other. Tribalism is an apartheid hangover that we need to cure ourselves of,” concludes the star.



