In a heartfelt call to action, South African Sangoma and Reality TV star Mpho wa Badimo has underscored the significance of Ancestor’s Day, urging Africans to embrace their cultural roots and honor those who came before them.
The Big Brother Africa season three winner took to her social media platforms to express the importance of acknowledging ancestors in African culture.
“This isn’t another public holiday but it is an important day, it is a day of Reflection and Honouring those who came before us,”
she emphasized.
Collaborating with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and cultural custodians, communities across the nation marked 8th May as Ancestor’s Day. This day, according to Mpho, serves as a poignant reminder of the ancestral lineage that forms the backbone of African identity.
“When Africans acknowledge the existence of their ancestors, they are celebrating a past that matters and is dear to them,”
remarked Mpho.
“They are valorizing the power of their indigenous spirituality and strong connectedness to the land they lost or may still have.”
Mpho Wa Badimo emphasized that the celebration transcends boundaries, stating,
“Ancestors day is not for a particular group of people but it is for us all.”
Expressing her gratitude for being part of the movement, she added,
“What an honor to be a part of this as umntwana wedlozi, this is close to my heart what a time to be alive.”
She highlighted the ongoing efforts by Castle Milk Stout to have Ancestor’s Day officially recognized as a National Day of Commemoration in South Africa. She urged individuals to reflect on their journey, emphasizing that each person is a result of the love and sacrifices of those who came before them.
As the nation pauses to honor its rich heritage, Mpho wa Badimo’s impassioned plea serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and reverence for ancestral wisdom.