Celebs dig deep to get to roots - PHOTOS

SEPTEMBER has to be one of the best times to be a Mzansi native. Everything is gorgeous and it's Heritage Month, when suburbanites and celebrities get in touch with their "roots".

Bridget Masinga

Model and TV presenter Bridget Masinga says she is proud to be half-Zulu and half-Shangaan.

"Though I was raised Zulu, I am also Shangaan, but I am only now learning more about that part of my heritage," she says.

Her favourite traditional meal is mogodu and amathumbu, cow intestines. "My aunts taught me to clean and prepare amathumbu because I love it so much, so whenever there are traditional ceremonies, that is my job ."

Honouring traditional practices is important to her . "I had my memulo, a Zulu rite of passage ceremony into womanhood. I did all the traditional things, such as umembeso, leading up to my wedding. "

Bujy Bikwa

Socialite and presenter Bujy Bikwa also respects his roots.

"I'm a mixture of Shona and Zulu. I came to South Africa when I was four, so I have mainly Zulu influences."

His favourite is also mogodu. "It's such a pity I can't make it now. It doesn't smell so good in summer," jokes Bikwa.

Zulu culture has taught him respect . "The laws and the respect that our culture teaches us is something that I hold very close . The culture dictates respect even to people younger than you ."

Fashion and traditional clothing form a big part of what celebs find appealing about their cultures.

"I love Shona-inspired prints and wear them a lot. They work well, especially in summer," says Bikwa.

Penny Lebyane

Broadcaster Penny Lebyane says Sepedi traditional outfits are one of her favourite things about her culture. "I love how Pedi women dress. I love the headgear and the bright coloured clothing."

She plans to make sure that her children learn Sepedi . "Language is one thing I am fussy about ."

Stoan Seate

For singer Stoan Seate, the food is the best thing about being Tswana. "The food tops it all for me, closely followed by the language. They say food and language can feed the world and this is particularly true of my culture."

Amanda du-Pont

Amanda du-Pont says that though she embraces her culture, she doesn't understand the polygamy aspect of it. "I love being Swati, but they can miss me with the many wives thing," she laughs.

"I love how respectful Swati women are. We don't speak unless spoken to, we don't look people in the eye and never give or take anything with one hand."