By THABO MOTLHABI
Mohlakeng Hostel was transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and community spirit on Saturday, 26 September 2026, as hostel dwellers, cultural groups and guests gathered to mark Heritage Day.
Hosted by Mohlakeng Hostel chairperson and Nduna Emmanuel Wesi, the annual ceremony brought people from different cultural backgrounds together through traditional dances, music, singing and colourful cultural practices.
The event celebrated South Africa’s diversity while promoting unity, respect and the spirit of Ubuntu.
Wesi said the gathering was aimed at bringing communities together and ensuring cultural traditions are passed on to future generations.
“This is an annual ceremony and we collaborate with other hostels in the West Rand to celebrate Heritage Month in our different ways. We ask the Department of Sport, Culture and Recreation to acknowledge this annual celebration and our municipality to come and celebrate with us,” he said.
However, behind the celebrations are ongoing concerns about living conditions at the hostel, including poor service delivery, damaged toilets and floors, leaking communal taps, sanitation problems, electricity challenges and deteriorating infrastructure.
Hostel secretary Morupa Hamilton expressed disappointment over what he described as unanswered correspondence to the Rand West City Local Municipality requesting support and acknowledgement for the event.
“Our youth should be proud of their culture. This ceremony should be a Randfontein initiative, not only for hostel dwellers,” Hamilton said.
Former Randfontein mayor Thomas Seshoka also praised the ceremony and reflected on the historical contribution of hostel dwellers to the local community.
Despite their challenges, residents celebrated their heritage with pride, demonstrating that culture remains a powerful source of identity and unity.
