In anticipation of Heritage Day, Nancy Hove secretly had a little outfit made for 2-year-old Bastian Hancke-Coles and surprised him with it before school.
South Africa (24 September 2023) – Many schools made this past Friday a fun dress-up day. Children were encouraged to dress up for Heritage Day, wearing their traditional or cultural outfits to school.
Berna Hancke-Coles had planned to send her son Bastian to school dressed as Faf de Klerk, wearing his Springbok jersey and a South African flag nappy. However, before they set off for school, Nancy Hove, Bastian’s beloved nanny, arrived with a gift.
Berna explained that Nancy has been caring for Bastian since he was three months old. The pair have a special bond, and this year, Nancy hoped to see Bastian wearing an outfit from her heritage.
Nancy had asked a friend to sew a little outfit for Bastian, and the result is just adorable! He wore his brand new traditional shirt over his Bok shirt to nursery school.
“It just seemed so sweet and metaphorical for our country with its melting pot of traditions and heritage” – Berna Hancke-Coles
In the spirit of reconciliation, the decision was made to create a day on which everyone in the country could celebrate diversity in cultural heritage. Heritage Day encourages South Africans to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions in the broader context of a nation that belongs to all its people.
Whether you are braaing today or spending time with loved ones, take a moment to embrace your fellow South Africans and honour their traditions, culture and heritage.
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