"BY commemorating this day, we pay tribute to those who walked before us."
Those were the words of Khwezi Vika, the marketing manager at Castle Milk Stout.
The beer company, in partnership with Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), is committed to establishing Ancestor's Day on 8 May in the national calendar.
On Friday, 3 May, the company and Contralesa hosted an annual imbizo in Sandown, north of Joburg to celebrate Ancestor's Day.
This event aimed to discuss and highlight the importance of officially recognising Ancestor's Day on the national calendar.
Vika mentioned that this initiative is a way of reconnecting with our roots and ensuring we don't lose sight of our values in today's modern world.
"Our dream of having Ancestor's Day recognised as a national day has been more challenging to achieve than we anticipated.
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"However, our dedication to preserving this crucial part of our heritage is unwavering. We will keep advocating for it because we believe it will be meaningful for our people who practise African Spirituality," Vika said.
He also emphasised that Ancestor's Day is about acknowledging our past.
"Firstly, it's about raising awareness that, for many years, we Africans have honoured those who came before us. It's a spiritual act for us, so it's about making people understand that there's nothing to fear because it's part of our nature," he explained.
Contralesa secretary-general Zolani Mkiva said: "Our ancestors are the solid foundation upon which we build our present and future. Recognising and honouring their wisdom, guidance, and sacrifices is a deeply unifying sentiment shared by all Africans."
