rate
eleb e
to c
pus ay in tru
Cam re D
ultu Style!!!
C
SA
CAMPUS NEWS
O
Annette Willemse
On 24 September 2014 staff and students of the Vaal
Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU
Vaal) will celebrate Heritage Day in true South African
style. This year the annual Culture Day celebration will
take the form of cultural potpourri with staff taking part
in a traditional potjiekos competition whilst students will
grace the stage celebrating the beliefs and traditions of
different cultures.
Why celebrate Heritage Day?
The create unity from diversity – after the dismantling
of apartheid, Heritage Day highlights the histories of all
racial groups and recognises all the men and women
who have contributed to the heritage and culture of the
South African nation.
Potjiekos competition
In South Africa, a potjie (pronounced /poiki:/), directly
translated “small pot” from
Afrikaans, is as loved as
braaivleis and pap.
The history of the South
African potjie started in
Holland somewhere between
1566 to 1648 during the war
between the Netherlands and
Spain. During the siege of
Leyden, food was scarce and
town people contributed what
meagre morsels they had into
a large communal pot and
cooked it all together. The
potjie made its way to Africa
along with Dutch settlers,
who then took it with them
on the Great Trek. Among
the African tribal cultures
these pots became known
as “phutu” pots.
The black cast-iron potjie
has survived the test of time
and is used extensively in
South Africa by almost all
cultures.
Staff members are invited to
form teams of 10 members
each and take up the NWU
12 - Student 24/7
Vaal Heritage
Day Potjiekos
Challenge.
Culture celebration
In keep with the spirit of the annual Culture Day celebration, staff – and students, is encouraged to either
dress according to their own culture or to embrace
another culture of the world. During past Culture Day
celebrations participants not only showcased different
cultural traditions, culinary delights and customs, but
also came together to revel in the unique culture of the
Campus.
For more information – and to register a team to participate, contact Lethiwe Kubheka on 016 910 3235/3090
or send an e-mail to [email protected]