Orkney - South Africans from all walks of life showcased their cultural clothing and traditions on Wednesday at the James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney as part of Heritage Day celebrations.
Xhosas dressed in Umbhaco, Tsonga's with their xibelani and Zulu's with their Amabeshu showcased their attire during the Heritage Day celebrations.
The crowd chanted and ululated as everybody showed off their dance moves.
The sounds of trumpets and drums resonated in the stadium with the crowd dancing along.
Dignitaries such as Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, North West premier Supra Mahumapelo and Arts and Culture minister Nathi Mthethwa watched the different groups walking around the track before making their way to the grass.
Ramaphosa arrived in a suit and changed into a “Madiba” shirt and Mthethwa chose a cream shirt with brown trimmings.
North West premier Supra Mahumapelo opted for a suit in blue, matched with blue shirt and striped tie.
Ramaphosa was expected to deliver the keynote address for the day.
The theme for 2014 is “tell your story.”
Heritage Day is a public holiday in South Africa where people are encouraged to celebrate the many cultures in the country and their heritage.
Many people dress up in their cultural clothing and the streets are filled with people wearing their full traditional finery.
A campaign, started a few years ago, has also dubbed it “Braai Day” where people are encouraged to take time out to barbecue with friends and family either at home, or at one of the shisa nyama restaurants where patrons buy meat on site and socialise while it is being braaied for them. - Sapa