A celebration of culture, heritage and spring saw Ron Smith Care Centre’s (RSCC) residents and staff gather in traditional dress or bright spring colours under a beautiful blue sky on 23 September.
In celebration of Heritage Day and spring, RSCC’s Woodlands’ garden and outdoor recreation area was awash with flags from around the world and tables decorated in the colours of the South African flag. Beautiful centrepieces – made from hessian-covered pots filled with greenery, flowers and international flags – added to the ambience.
While the ladies were presented with a pretty flower headband for their hair, the gentlemen were given a headband in the colours of the South African flag.
As RSCC has a tradition of celebrating Heritage Day with music, dancing and good food, the programme opened with the staff Heritage Day dancers presenting various cultural and folk dances from around the world, including the Waka Waka, Zemer Atik (Israel), Jerusalema, Hakkatoon (Netherlands), Achy Breaky Heart (USA) and Zorba’s Dance (Greece).
Several staff members from the Pedi, Tsonga, Zulu, Venda and Xhosa cultures also demonstrated their traditional dances.
Everyone enjoyed a traditional South African braai after the festivities, prepared by Rand Aid’s Cookchill, which included marinated chicken, pap tart, pumpkin tart, mixed salad and fresh rolls, and a delicious Peppermint Crisp tart rounded off the tasty meal.
“The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity that makes South Africa a Rainbow Nation,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s head of recreational programmes.
“The wonderful weather and beautiful RSCC gardens that were alive with colour after a long, cold winter ensured that the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all,” she adds.
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