#AppreciationMonday: "We have a painful history yet we can laugh and celebrate together..."
Carol Ofori reflects on the joys and value in celebrating our heritage...
As we disembark from the weekend merriment, we wanted to take some time to reflect on the importance behind our heritage as South Africans.
And if you're thinking that it's all about the 'braai', it's not. Of course, as South Africans we will create any excuse to braai (for those who are unfamiliar with the concept, others in the world call it a barbecue).
But this is just a unifying way of celebrating our heritage, because no matter how diverse we are as a nation, we can connect around a braai and food brings us together.
Carol Ofori is one of the most proud South Africans and Africans we know and we wanted to ask her about the importance of celebrating our heritage.
In essence, a big part of celebrating her heritage has come in the form of her book collection. The African Adventures of Sena and Katlego not only celebrates heritage but also focuses on the need of passing over the torch, so to speak.
Because as we reflect, we realise that it is now our responsibility to ensure our kids know about their roots.
Celebrating our heritage as South Africans allows us to remember just how dynamic we are. We are dynamic in our food and in our culture in every single way and knowing where we come from, it also aids us in doing better in where we are going. It also reminds us to preserve our culture.
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When asked about what makes her proud to be South African, she shared something so positive, something we all needed as a reminder.
"I just love being South African. We have such a painful history and yet, as a people, we can laugh, we can celebrate and we can come together. Our country is going through the most right now and it’s often hard to see the positives but, in light of it all, I am still so proud."
She also shared that the meal that most reminds her of her heritage has got to be a hearty South African stew.
"My mom always made a great stew and dumplings! And, of course, pap! I have my own off days with pap, but it remains so proudly South African. I also love eating samp, which reminds me so much of our heritage. Creamy samp is always a winner. Oh, and let's not forget a braai!"
The Ofori household is truly pan-African and is truly reflective of the dynamic country and continent we live in.
Heritage is a key factor in her kids' upbringing. Her kids are exposed to Zulu at school, Sepedi, and Mr Ofori comes from the Ashanti tribe in Ghana, so they have a healthy and colourful cultural spread in their home.
Reading and sharing stories is also a big part of keeping our heritage alive. And this is why Carol Ofori's book collection has been such a big celebration for her and her family when it comes to heritage.
Image Courtesy of Instagram