Grade 3 - IsiZulu Day
Our long-awaited, eagerly anticipated isiZulu/Cultural day was held on Friday the 11th of August. The day was celebrated in a unique style, with children learning not just about isiZulu culture but about other South African cultures too!
After having covered our topics on Food (Ukudla) and Clothes (Izinto Zokugqoka), I found it fitting to consolidate this with a celebration that brings our little JP community together. The Grade 3 isiZulu Day is an annual celebration aimed at giving Grade 3 learners a good farewell as they enter into the last term of their exit year into Senior Primary. Although this event is specifically for the grade 3s, other lower grades have always been welcome, and they were keen to experience the event so this year we were happy to be joined by grade 0s and grade 00s.
The event took place at the MCP. It started at 10:00am and ended just after 12:30pm. The children turned up in very elegant attire from diverse culture, some represented the isiZulu, isiXhosa, Scottish, Afrikaans, Swedish, Mauritian, Sesotho, Mongolian and Mexican. I cannot thank the parents enough for their efforts and cooperation in making sure that the children come to school wearing clothes representing a unique culture. Children felt very proud of being able to showcase their outfits and being part of such an important event!
The decorations incorporated items from the isiZulu, Xitsonga and African cultures. Mrs Maposa welcomed everyone and thereafter, our hilarious MC, Monde, (student teacher) took over. Kuyenzeka, a grade 3 student, opened the programme with a prayer in isiZulu. We welcomed the support that we received from our performers; Ayola, Ingi, Rea, Aphile and Atlehang who showcased Amapiano dance moves that had the children in awe. Vanessa and Rebekah showcased some ChiShona dance moves and children couldn’t get their eyes off the stage. The ‘Amadoda’ is a group of the Clifton estates, cleaning and horse riding staff that includes Sbonelo, popularly known as Molo, Nkululeko, Patrick best known as Silo, Mduduzi, Phephe, Thembi and Eunice. They entertained us with isiZulu and gumboot dances. My colleagues who observed the occasion kept asking if we could invite this team to entertain children at other occasions as their performances were spectacular! Mr Chapata, our music coordinator, played the song Todii by the late Zimbabwean legend, Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi on his guitar. I was amazed by how some of our isiZulu dancers and children joined in, the house was filled with joy. Grade 3 children; William, Laura, Lihakoe, and Niara performed a short script. I admired these students and their ability to read the script so audibly and with such confidence in front of such a large audience of more than 60 people.
The day was made even more astounding by the appetizing isiZulu food that our kitchen team put together. The food included phuthu, jeqe, samp, chicken stew, chicken feet, coleslaw salad, amaheu, juice and a beautiful hut-shaped chocolate cake! Mouth- watering indeed! The children were also spoilt by their peers who brought a few snacks to share. They enjoyed kit kat chocolate from Matthew, quiches from Kelly, pumpkin pie from Wessel, and chelsea buns from Laura.
Our sound manager, Nduduzo, from the IT department, made sure that the correct song was played whenever needed. We really appreciate Ndu’s fantastic job! Mr Stagg came to take a few photos however, the atmosphere in the room made him stay a ‘few’ more minutes! Monde, the MC is a people person. He knows exactly how to entertain children. He kept sharing general knowledge about the isiZulu culture and South African culture in between the proceedings. He also asked them questions and invited them to the dance floor whenever he could. The children enjoyed dancing and listening to him. Thank you Monde!
The isiZulu/Cultural Day was a product of many hours invested mainly by the grade 3 children and all the above-mentioned performers. A big thank you to Elvis, Sanka, Monique, Mr and Mrs Chapata and grade 7 class teachers, Mr Veenstra and Mr Wagner who afforded the performers this opportunity to entertain the children. The event was made a success by a lot of planning, rehearsals and teamwork. As a result, the outcome was truly remarkable with children left wanting more…
