Every year, on the 24th September, South Africans celebrate Heritage Day. This special day focuses on South Africa’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. For 2017 the National Museum hosted a special heritage event at Boikhuco Old Age Centre in Bochabela. Co-hosted by Derek du Bruyn, Khotso Pudumo and Amy Goitsemodimo, the event focused on an important aspect of African people’s intangible heritage, namely storytelling. The aim of the event was to provide elderly people with an opportunity to share traditional cultural stories with school learners.
The National Museum cares about the preservation of traditional African stories and keeping the art of storytelling alive. Approximately 10 elderly people from Boikhuco were asked to tell a traditional story of their choice. Prizes were awarded for the three best stories. A total of 120 Grade 6 learners from two schools in the area, namely Legae Primary School and Morafe Primary School, were invited to attend. The learners were asked to share with the audience their favourite traditional stories. Prizes were awarded to the three learners who told the most inspiring stories. In-between stories guests were entertained to song and dance items performed by learners from both schools. Afterwards all the guests were treated to a traditional meal and the learners each received a snack pack.
From left to right: Khotso Pudumo (National Museum), Monique Khechane (Boikhuco Old Age Centre), Derek du Bruyn (National Museum) and Amy Goitsemodimo (National Museum). (Photo: National Museum)
Three learners from Legae Primary School performing a traditional cultural song. (Photo: National Museum)
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