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Catherine W Gichuki
Doha
Last weekend, Doha Golf Club turned into a microcosm of South Africa with hundreds of natives from the African country gathered to showcase the rich South African culture and heritage. From the attires people wore to the venue to the foods and the music played, all projected the South African traditions, representing various ethnic groups.
The event aimed to mark Ubuntu Bash, or Heritage Day, which celebrates the cultural wealth of the South African nation on September 24 every year. South Africans celebrate the day by highlighting the different strands of culture evolved by different groups of people who make up the cultural and ethnic mosaic that South Africa is.
Nelson Mandela's grandson Zwelivelile"Mandla" Mandela was the chief guest at the well-attended event. The event showcased more than 30 stalls selling South African delicacies such as bunny chows (South African-style curry served in half a loaf of bread), boerewors rolls (traditional sausage that has South African written all over it), koeksisters (a very traditional baked desert) and many more. The sumptuous dishes that had many licking their hands were the Zulu and Xhosa specialities made from crushed corn and beans.
The South African Embassy had partnered with Sasol, Qatar Airways and the Grand Hyatt Hotel to make the event a huge success.
The event also had a raffle draw whose lucky winners were awarded flight tickets to South Africa as well as stay at hotel.
On the occasion, the South Africans were urged to register as volunteers for the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022.
South African Ambassador to Qatar HE Faizel Moosa said SA provided the world an example unity in diversity ” with 11 different languages and different cultures they were able to come together and make one South Africa.
Even though they face different challenges, they have learnt from Mandela to engage with one another through the means of simple dialogue, the ambassador added.
Among those who displayed typical South African delicacies were the likes of Julia who displayed pap (made of corn), chakalaka (vegetable), umngqusho (samp and beans) from the Xhosa, among others."We are lucky to get this platform to showcase our traditions to people from all over the world."
Another was Elsa who displayed a variety of South African cookies such as chocolate fudge, caramel fudge, cheese and smile cookies, among others.
She said that it was a great chance for people to learn about the South African traditions through these displays."My children grew up with these sweets. The sweets are very popular in South Africa."
Michelle, another South African, who displayed coconut ice and typical South African fudge, said,"These are neighbourhood items and favourite of schoolchildren. There is always someone from the neighbourhood who prepares these delicacies."I have a recipe that my grandmother gave me for the kisses cookies."
Besides the food, there were other things showcased to depict the rainbow nation. There was Dee who displayed assorted batik with creative patterns."These are found on the borders of South Africa and Mozambique. The batiks are made of earth colours."
She also displayed typical coasters and carvings."We are so grateful about how Qatar appreciates the cultures of other nations. It is a nice idea to come here and showcase where we come from through a variety of activities."
Mika, another exhibitor who displayed hair extensions and wigs, said that she realised that there was a need for these items and she decided to bring them to Qatar especially for the Africans.
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25/09/2018
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