By Sisathi Nomatye
24/September/2015
As the country was celebrating Heritage Day on 24 September 2015, Gauteng residents were doing it in style by invading the streets of Tshwane in their traditional attire and fancy dress costumes.
Thousands of people were gathered in Pretoria for this year’s Gauteng Carnival Fun Walk, themed Social Cohesion: South Africa belongs to all who live in it.
The 6.7 kilometres walk began at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria West and ended at the heart of it all, the Union Buildings. The platform was also used to promote unity and to say no to xenophobia. Busses representing different countries and cultures were also present, most clans were well represented.
According to the official website of the Gauteng Carnival, the programme seeks to integrate engagement with schools and higher institutions alongside community structures, cultural groups and artists. Having won Gold at the 2013 International Liveable Communities (Livcom) Awards, the event continues to unite different communities from different cultures.
The fun-filled event was attended by a number of government representatives including Gauteng Premier, Mr David Makhura who expressed gratitude to everyone who took part in the carnival.
This year’s carnival saw a whopping 23 000 people participate, a huge climb compared to the first Gauteng Carnival held in September 2005 which had 3000 participants.
