Those who think that local governance and culture cannot be merged should think twice. Mayor Caroline Mahasela of Musina Municipality proved her critics wrong when she was given an award by Zwashu Indigenous and Cultural Dance Organization at the weekend, for promoting African culture through local governance.

Since Mahasela became mayor of Musina in 2007, she had personally involved herself in the promotion of African culture by always encouraging her community to participate in traditional dances.

Among her highlights, Mahasela represented South Africa at the Inter-City Cooperation Network for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICCN) Conference in Cairo, Egypt in 2008 at the invitation of the Qalyubiya Governorate of Egypt and the first lady of Egypt, Mrs Suzanne Mubarak. The conference focused on the promotion of women’s role in the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage.

Shortly after receiving her awards, Mahasela said the cultural values of a community gave it an identity of its own. “A community gains a character and a personality of its own, because of the culture of its people. It is our responsibility as political leaders to make sure that culture is learned and passed from the older generations to the newer ones. Culture is a bond that ties the community together. Culture is the guiding force of every group and society.”

She said people should never allow to their cultural practices to be washed away my modern inventions. “African culture is often belittled and devalued. The customs and traditions that the people of a community follow, the festivals they celebrate, the kind of clothing they wear, the food they eat, and most importantly, the cultural values they adhere to, should bind them together – despite the changes we encounter on a daily basis. As leaders, we should change the thinking that the aspects of African culture that are so unique and beautiful are viewed as uncivilized but instead play our uncompromising role in promoting our culture.”

She says she was excited that her work had finally been recognized. “The recognition makes me happy and I will continue to build my community until my last day on earth.”