South African culture operates as a vibrant tapestry of kaleidoscopic contrasts. This rich heritage highlights the differences and invites community and reflection through shared traditions. In celebration of heritage month (September), I wrote the following poem:
From the shadow of the Drakensberg to the wide Karoo,
a tapestry woven in every shade and hue.
The soil holds the rhythm of the Khoi and the San
where the ancient story of our land began.
We wake up in the morning and enjoy a bowl of pap
then answer our messages and figure out what's up.
A spicy bunny chow is eaten until out of sight
and sweet koeksisters are braided and fried.
We snack on biltong while watching the game.
Potjiekos brews in a different household; the hunger is the same.
We add Mrs Ball's chutney or chakalaka for that hectic tangy kick
and finish off with some Simba chips, once we've decided what flavour to pick.
We wear casual summer slip slops
or sturdy veldskoene made for the crops.
In the beaded patterns of isiZulu, Ndebele panels and Xhosa skirts,
we carry our history in blankets and shirts.
With the elegant drape of shweshwe designs,
we sip on the fruits of our famous South African wines.
Twelve official languages echo from the mountains to the shores,
it's a one-of-a-kind symphony rolling through open doors.
In the click of a tongue and the warmth of a phrase,
our voices unite in a thousand distinct ways.
We share this land where the wildlife roam free.
The majestic big five chill under the acacia tree.
From the lions that roar to the leopards in flight,
spot elephants, rhinos and buffaloes at night.
Cheeky baboons climb the mountain track
and quirky meerkats stand guard at the back.
African penguins march down Boulders beach,
this is a natural wonder within everyone's reach.
The radio is pumping the bass of amapiano,
blending the beats with all things dope.
We brew up a pot of sweet, warm rooibos,
a homegrown comfort that we all love, mos.
Deep in our earth, hidden way down,
our gold and platinum are renowned.
We are a nation of pioneers with minds that are bold,
with medical marvels and triumphs untold.
From the Groote Schuur halls where the first heart was swapped,
to the CT scan tech that has never stopped.
We cure and we care, we break through the dark,
leaving science with a permanent Saffa mark.
Our cities are crowned on the global frontier
with accolades ringing out year after year.
Voted the prettiest city where the two oceans meet,
a global design capital filled with every creative treat.
And guarding our coast with its majestic crown,
the 7th Wonder of Nature looks down.
We are giants of cinema, backdrop and screen,
hosting Hollywood epics the world has never seen.
Spanning the alien towers of District 9's fame
and the grit of many others, including Avengers acclaim.
Our coastline is awseome and globally praised,
where blue flag beaches leave travellers amazed.
From Camps Bay to Umhlanga, the gold and the blue
and the legendary breaks of Jeffrey's Bay too.
Windsurfers come to fly where the southeaster blows
and surfing competitions test the highs and the lows.
Our stadiums roar with a passion that bleeds,
with centuries written in glorious deeds.
Four times the Springboks have lifted the gold,
the kings of the rugby world, fierce and bold.
In cricket and golf, we have mastered the drive,
and our swimmers dive deep, making history alive.
We hit the hard tar where the ultra-athletes run,
from the Comrades Marathon dawn to the setting of the sun.
Our rhythm has conquered the world's biggest arenas,
from the soulful singers to the stadium pleasers.
We dance to Goldfish, Louise Carver, Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba
and the tracks that Black Coffee spun in Ibiza.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo reaches a heavenly height,
we clearly have a plethora of artistic talent who set stages alight.
Brenda Fassie, Mandoza, Danny K, Tyla, Mango Groove and Freshlyground,
we are hosts to the ultimate anthems that make the planet move with every sound.
Twelve voices united, a chorus sublime,
singing secrets of strength from the testing of time.
We remember the shadows, the chains, the bars
and the leaders who guided our eyes to the stars.
From Madiba’s great smile to the Springbok embrace,
a spirit of resilience no storm can erase.
We toast to our icons who took to the stage
and wrote our bold name onto history's page.
The satire of Trevor Noah that keeps the world laughing,
the peace of Mahatma Gandhi, whose path we are charting.
The brilliance of Charlize Theron under Hollywood lights
and Elon Musk launching rockets to infinite heights.
For this is our heritage, the soul of our state:
The history, traditions and practices we create.
The majestic landscapes and the objects we hold,
inherited from the past, a tale proudly told.
Valued deeply in the present, protected for every madam and sir,
and preserved to be passed to generations of the future.
And because we have guarded this treasure so deep,
look at the fresh harvest that we reap.
A massive foundation, an unshakeable base,
proves we have the power to win any race.
With so much accomplished, we stand tall and proud,
our confidence ringing out strong and loud.
We will strive to be champions, the first and the best,
for the fire of greatness burns bright in our chest.
Just look at our rainbow nation and the base that we've laid,
a foundation that never will fade.
The horizon is wider, the sky is still clear,
we have so much to build on, with nothing to fear.
With the strength of our past and the grit of our soul,
we will develop much further and achieve each goal.
For the journey is not finished; the best is ahead,
on this African soil where only the brave dare to tread.
For we are not a puzzle where the shapes must align,
but a kaleidoscope catching the sunlight's design.
It is right in our differences, contrasting and bright
where the true hidden beauty breaks into the light.
In the wealth of stories and the textures of grace,
we find the true magic of this sacred place.
It is a feeling that greets you with welcoming skies,
A spirit so rich that the dark never flies.
Where the sound of amandla meets the wisdom of a gogo
and the pride of a united nation is our ultimate logo.
We shout out laduma when the ball hits the net,
a catchy rhythm you can never forget.
From the shade of the fynbos to the dust on bakkies,
we step out in style, dressed to the nines and a kiff pair of takkies.
We head to the shisa nyama when the weekend is calling,
with our besties and boets while the laughter is falling.
Through the eish moments and all the triumphs, we know who we are,
as we navigate these streets past each robot afar.
We will do it right now-now, not wait for a just-now,
we build for tomorrow and we already know how.
With the power of simunye, we pull together,
withstanding the ever-shifting weather.
For the magic of harambee is how we all grow,
deep roots in the soil that the ancestors know.
In a world full of wonder, we stand on the crest,
with a lifestyle that proves we are simply the best.
From the food to the fashion, it is truly unique,
the ultimate playground that travellers seek.
We split a gatsby, some samoosas and share the cheer,
living out loud through each day of the year.
With the power of ubuntu to anchor our soul,
we step into the future, united and whole.
It is lekker, it is home, it is pure, it is a delight
and everything clicks when the vibes are right.
It is magic, it is home, it is pure, it is bright,
The heartbeat of Mzansi is the undimmable light.
Where every experience is completely ayoba
and the global stage bows to our local persona.
Forever we are bonded together as chommies,
here's a hearty howzit to all heritage homies!
Howzit Heritage Homies by EJ for EJblogtv
an Enjoyment Journal about Everything EJ
xoxo