Heritage Day Celebration 2019

The Department of Pathology and the Department of IBMS Transformation Committees joined forces to host a Heritage Day Celebration on Friday 27^th September. The event saw members from around these two departments dressing up and bringing dishes that represent/signify their heritage. Many people got to enjoy the spread of dishes from around the world.

The crowd gathered in the Wolfson cafeteria from all parts of the Faculty of Health Science – The Department of Pathology-TEC is composed of representatives from all divisions including Gender Health & Justice Research Unit and Medical Education. Before members started on the food, Dr Sabelo Hadebe from the Division of Immunology who Co-chairs the Departmental TEC addressed the crowd. Dr Sabelo spoke about the history of Heritage Day in South Africa and how it has changed to reflect diversity in South Africa. The Transformation Committees hosted the event to highlight diversity in the department and recognise the many nations that make up the staff and student body at UCT.

As members enjoyed tasting the many dishes, Dr Hadebe encouraged them to ask about the heritage behind the dish and even enquire after the recipe. After much delicious food, video interviews of PASS staff were shown. These interviews highlighted the many languages and backgrounds that make up UCT staff and were devised by the Transformation Committees.

Dr Hadebe added, "We hope that these videos will encourage more members to come forward and participate, we would really love to know a little bit more about you before you depart” referring to PASS staff members retiring end of this year".

The event was a great success thanks to the efforts of the Transformation Committees and many others. A big thank you to everyone who brought a dish and to everyone who attended.

Some photos from the event: