MINISTER of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi yesterday went back to his roots when he addressed a cultural day bash in the area of his birth.

Baloyi was the keynote speaker at the eighth edition of the annual Mahumani Culture and Heritage day celebrations at Nkomo village outside Giyani.

The minister, who is from Shawela, one of the areas under Chief Aaron Mahumani, congratulated the royal and his community for not neglecting their culture.

He called for the socialisation of culture, saying that he was happy that different cultures were showcased at the event.

"It is a good thing that people from different cultures are learning from one another. It means that some must learn the good from other cultures and adapt it to their culture," Baloyi said.

He told them they should not be rigid as culture is "adaptive".

The minister went on to talk about stereotypes in the past when people would not go to school clad in traditional clothing.

"But now people do, and go to church wearing traditional clothing because God listens to you even when you wear your traditional gear," he said.

"Culture defines rules of the social game as well as the political game," Baloyi said.

The minister, who was challenged by one resident to say something about the workers' strike and salary negotiations, said it was unfortunate that people were thinking that all the money should go towards salaries.

The government had tried its best to increase salaries for workers but it had no more money towards this end, Baloyi said.

The occasion was graced with the presence of traditional leaders from as far as the Eastern Cape and Free State. Different tribal dance routines from these tribes were showcased.

Dignitaries included Hosi Filia Nwamitwa, King Jongilanga Sicqau and King Makhosonkhe Mabena who all addressed the gathering to give messages of support.

Baloyi and local chief Mahumani danced with female artist Sunglen Chabalala who was given a token of appreciation after she won the Satma award in Durban at the weekend.

Mahumani, who holds a master's degree and is a magistrate, does not neglect his culture. He praised the minister for coming to address local people.

"Time is gone when we have to idolise other people's heroes while we have a son of the soil here at home who is a minister," said Mahumani.

Mahumani said: "Our area has a rich culture. Our dream is to promote and ensure cultural tourism and ecotourism so as to facilitate social justice and economic upliftment."

He said the area had been declared a national heritage site by the Limpopo Province and the National Government during the tenure of former president Nelson Mandela.

The area assumed national prominence because of Esawutini, where people still make salt the traditional way.