MY REFLECTION
I once engaged in the HESOP cultural competition held at Golden
Gate Highlands National Park, where representatives from nine
provinces came together to display their cultures. I was part of the
group representing KwaZulu-Natal. This allowed me to gain personal
experience as I was exposed to cultures that are different from
mine.
The environment was full of pride and diversity. Each province
showcased its own unique identity through traditional dances,
music, and attire. I was impressed by everyone taking pride in their
cultures while respecting others too. My traditional attire and
performance made me feel connected to my roots, but meanwhile I
was aware that other cultures may not really understand my culture
as I do. I felt out of place when socialising with people from other
provinces whose languages and traditions were diverse. I could not
understand other cultural practices or conversations around me.
However, it took me less than a day to get rid of that feeling.
I spoke to 3 different people of which one was Xhosa, Tsonga, and
Mosotho. I asked them about the meaning behind their
performances and traditional clothing. These conversations turned
out educational. The Xhosa girl explained about uMphokoqo of which
was one of the meals they spoke about in their performance. I was
surprised that it takes them less than 30 minutes to get it ready
meanwhile Zulu people cook it for at least an hour and we call it
uPhuthu. The one from Lesotho explained to me that the reason
they wear blankets even on the hottest days is that it consists of
breathable material and it is a standard for them as rural herd boys
to wear it. The Tsonga girls also shared information about their
practice of ku heleketa, whereby they take you out a distance from
the gate for respect purposes of which may confuse you as a guest
in their area.
Even though we were competing, there was unity and respect
among us. People were free to share their cultures and in learning
about mine. I felt accepted and valued. Reflecting on this event, I
would treat others with respect and learn from them. This
experience taught me that I should be proud and share my culture
with respect. It made me appreciate my culture more, while valuing
others. I also learned that feeling different is natural in a diverse environment, but it
should not be a barrier from interacting with others. To handle a situation like this,
one needs cultural awareness and respect for misunderstanding and offending
purposes. Communication skills are essential when asking questions to not sound like
I once engaged in the HESOP cultural competition held at Golden
Gate Highlands National Park, where representatives from nine
provinces came together to display their cultures. I was part of the
group representing KwaZulu-Natal. This allowed me to gain personal
experience as I was exposed to cultures that are different from
mine.
The environment was full of pride and diversity. Each province
showcased its own unique identity through traditional dances,
music, and attire. I was impressed by everyone taking pride in their
cultures while respecting others too. My traditional attire and
performance made me feel connected to my roots, but meanwhile I
was aware that other cultures may not really understand my culture
as I do. I felt out of place when socialising with people from other
provinces whose languages and traditions were diverse. I could not
understand other cultural practices or conversations around me.
However, it took me less than a day to get rid of that feeling.
I spoke to 3 different people of which one was Xhosa, Tsonga, and
Mosotho. I asked them about the meaning behind their
performances and traditional clothing. These conversations turned
out educational. The Xhosa girl explained about uMphokoqo of which
was one of the meals they spoke about in their performance. I was
surprised that it takes them less than 30 minutes to get it ready
meanwhile Zulu people cook it for at least an hour and we call it
uPhuthu. The one from Lesotho explained to me that the reason
they wear blankets even on the hottest days is that it consists of
breathable material and it is a standard for them as rural herd boys
to wear it. The Tsonga girls also shared information about their
practice of ku heleketa, whereby they take you out a distance from
the gate for respect purposes of which may confuse you as a guest
in their area.
Even though we were competing, there was unity and respect
among us. People were free to share their cultures and in learning
about mine. I felt accepted and valued. Reflecting on this event, I
would treat others with respect and learn from them. This
experience taught me that I should be proud and share my culture
with respect. It made me appreciate my culture more, while valuing
others. I also learned that feeling different is natural in a diverse environment, but it
should not be a barrier from interacting with others. To handle a situation like this,
one needs cultural awareness and respect for misunderstanding and offending
purposes. Communication skills are essential when asking questions to not sound like
