The Citizen reports that the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa), in partnership with Castle Milk Stout, has called on the government to officially declare Ancestors’ Day as a national public holiday as a way of preserving the culture of the country and continent.

With just two weeks to go until Ancestors’ Day, which was launched in May 2021, Contralesa secretary-general Zolani Mkiva argued that the day was a foundation they were laying to change systems and structures that have continued to marginalise Africans. The cultural activist and poet laureate commented: “It’s important that we have a transformed calendar for the country that finds an expression to the African majority of the country. We should not be shy to take our place in society as the owners of this land. We are a product of those who came before us.” Meanwhile, according to Castle Milk Stout brand manager Khensani Mkhombo, the campaign for the day exists to inspire Africans to rediscover and embrace their traditions and values in today’s modern world. “It is important for us as individuals and as a society to promote the habit of embracing, celebrating and always preserving our culture – and not just on Heritage Day,” she stated. Mkhombo urged South Africans to sign a petition calling for 8 May to be declared National Ancestors’ Day.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Reitumetse Makwea at The Citizen

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