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Umbonowethu November 2024 7HERITAGEThe arrival of the long-awaited rainfall in the final week of the September%u2019s heritage month meant that the USM Heritage Day Celebration was postponed. Although this resulted in fewer employees adorning their traditional attire, there were those who refused to miss the opportunity of displaying their chosen outfits.While the event celebrates USM%u2019s cultural diversity in the form of dress and a delectable menu for the day, it has taken on a new emphasis in preserving our natural heritage and making greater efforts to care for the environment. USM Environmental Technologist Yolande Sajiwan once again led the team in planting indigenous trees, the Pod Mohogany, White Milkwood and Weaping Boer Bean tree, at the soccer field and two River Bushwillow trees at the Cane Supply office, which were selected for their ability to provide shade and survive drought conditions. %u201cLet us be the generation that makes the change in restoring our natural heritage,%u201d said Sajiwan. The planting of indigenous trees has become part of the USM culture, it is important that we care and protect these trees to ensure that it becomes part of our heritage. Recycle and Compost!Event organiser Lindy Duffield, USM Corporate Affairs Officer, ensured that the event was a plastic-free event with all drinks served in cans and glass, which are both easily recyclable. The food was served on craft board bowls and plates made from bagasse (a by-product of sugar cane) with bamboo cutlery %u2013 all easily biodegradable. USM employees enjoyed traditional boerewors, pap, chakalaka, mielie bread, mince vetkoek, chicken bunny chow, samosas, mielies, amagwinya and herbs, but it seems that Chef Fikile%u2019s chicken feet, popularly known as %u2018walkie-talkies%u2019, were the firm favourite! TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT Celebrating a Plastic-free Heritage DayTo our employees who donned traditional outfits, thank you for your efforts, elegance and fun spirit. You are the heart of USM!WHY DO WE PRESERVE OR PLANT INDIGENOUS TREES? %u2022 They provide shade%u2022 They keep the soil stable, prevent mud slides and soil erosion %u2022 They absorb toxic carbon dioxide %u2022 They produce oxygen %u2022 They preserve wildlife by creating habitats BEAUTIFULLY DRESSEDGeorge Wallace cleverly selected his outfit to fit our current hot and humid days %u2013 a Thawb and Ghutrah %u2013 a gift he received when working in Saudi Arabia. Samke Mkhwanazi (middle), a proud Zulu woman, opted to explore a Ndebele outfit as she strongly believes Heritage Day represents our diversity. Nduduzo Mbuyazi (right) adorned his Zulu male attire (ibheshu) made of tanned cow skin, a crown made of leopard skin and carried a knobkierie and nguni shield to honour his tradition. Worn with his USM T-shirt, he respected and honoured the company for giving employees the opportunity to celebrate our diverse cultures.Chef Fikile proudly dishes up her popular chicken feet (or walkie-talkies) onto easily biodegradable craft plates.Employees respectfully watching the tree planting.Right: Traditional and elegant, Nomzamo Dlomo and Zanele Nzuza displaying their heritage with poise and flair.