It was Cultural Day last month (September) where members of the Kayamandi Community are coming together and giving performances of their rich Xhosa (as well as others) culture with singing, dancing and drumming. This day is a particularly auspicious occasion for our young members of the community, as it connects the young kids to their roots and gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents to the world.
One couldn't help but feel moved by the soulful expressions of the artists. The songs that carry the wisdom of nature and the ancestors. Feet that move to the heartbeat of Mama Africa. Expressions of resilience, beauty, and grace of human beings that have experienced the contrast of a difficult life.
As a foreigner, it has been a blessing to be invited to witness the beauty of the spirit of Africa and to help raise awareness for those parts of the community that are less privileged. We can gain insight into the daily challenges their members face that for many, are hard to imagine. This includes access to running water, hunger, lack of employment and government assistance, as well as domestic violence.
As part of the campaign run by Nozi from Kayamandi Empowerment, totem bags with whistles, a booklet and a pepper spray were handed out. This aids in equipping women with tools and information to combat the risk of sexual assault that they face. For the future generation, knowing that they are part of a community and culture, helps them in finding their place within this world and builds them up to create their future - one that is bright and hopeful.
Finding ways to bring us together, helping each other in need and opening our minds and hearts to one another is the way forward and this is the teaching that I have been blessed to receive.
One couldn't help but feel moved by the soulful expressions of the artists. The songs that carry the wisdom of nature and the ancestors. Feet that move to the heartbeat of Mama Africa. Expressions of resilience, beauty, and grace of human beings that have experienced the contrast of a difficult life.
As a foreigner, it has been a blessing to be invited to witness the beauty of the spirit of Africa and to help raise awareness for those parts of the community that are less privileged. We can gain insight into the daily challenges their members face that for many, are hard to imagine. This includes access to running water, hunger, lack of employment and government assistance, as well as domestic violence.
As part of the campaign run by Nozi from Kayamandi Empowerment, totem bags with whistles, a booklet and a pepper spray were handed out. This aids in equipping women with tools and information to combat the risk of sexual assault that they face. For the future generation, knowing that they are part of a community and culture, helps them in finding their place within this world and builds them up to create their future - one that is bright and hopeful.
Finding ways to bring us together, helping each other in need and opening our minds and hearts to one another is the way forward and this is the teaching that I have been blessed to receive.