On September 23 each year, the African New Year traces its origins to the country's agricultural and lunar calendar. Unlike the widely adopted Gregorian Calendar, introduced in the late 16th century, many African communities have long relied on lunar or agricultural calendars. As we celebrate the African New Year today, we are in conversation with Anthropology lecturer at University of Zululand, Lesiba Phahladira as we unpack how we can honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a promising future guided by lessons of heritage, community, and the cyclical rhythms of life.