What Is Heritage Day?
Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September in South Africa that recognises and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country. In its essence, the day embraces and celebrates the true meaning of why we call ourselves the Rainbow Nation.
South Africans mark the day by wearing traditional outfits, eating traditional foods, learning about different cultures and spending time with friends and family.
The History of Heritage Day South Africa
While many South Africans are aware of Heritage Day South Africa, only a few know important facts about the history behind it and the reasons why the day is actually commemorated in the first place.
Heritage Day South Africa was once officially known as ‘Shaka’s Day’ and was a day dedicated to acknowledging King Shaka Zulu on the day of his death when he died in 1828.
Shaka Zulu was largely responsible for uniting different local clans into one united Zulu nation in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. In celebration of his remarkable achievements, thousands of people visit the King Shaka Memorial each year on the 24th of September to pay tribute to the king.
How Is Heritage Day South Africa Celebrated Today?
Over the years, Shaka’s Day has evolved and changed to become National Heritage Day in SA. It has since changed to become fondly known as National Braai Day or Shisa Nyama or Ukosa by locals.
Regardless of the title of the day, the goal has always remained the same and has a strong purpose of celebrating the unique culture of our South African nation with our family and friends.
Why Do We Braai On Heritage Day South Africa?
The Braai day concept was first conceived by Stellenbosch nativeJan Scannell who earned himself the nickname “Jan Braai.” Soon after its popularity grew across the nation, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was honoured as being the National Spokesperson for Braai Day in 2007.
Addressing the initiative Tutu said: “There are so many things that are pulling us apart,” and “this has a wonderful potential to bring us all together…. We have 11 different official languages but only one word for the wonderful institution of braai: in Xhosa, English, Afrikaans, whatever.”
At the end of 2007, National Braai Day changed its name to being Braai4Heritage and the campaign was endorsed by the South African National Heritage Council.
But what is the significance of a nation celebrating its unique heritage by cooking over an open flame you ask? The idea of making food together unites us all and connects people across different cultures and traditions. It’s a way to blur different racial, religious and economic lines so that everybody feels welcome and accepted.
This year why not join the celebrations and host your own braai as you channel your inner South African with a social gathering of your own?
How You Can Celebrate Heritage Day
There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate South Africa. Here are six ways to enjoy this year’s Heritage Day.
- Join chef Annie Badenhorst at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in Hermanus for their Heritage Day Braai on 24 September at 12pm. Guests can select either a delicious gourmet braai picnic basket, or share a flavourful braai platter. There will also be live music and great South African vibes.
- Celebrate with the Vrede en Lust Heritage Day Box which includes a selection of wines, traditional spices and condiments. It’s a great box to gift to friends or purchase for your own Heritage Day picnic or braai.
- Cape Town is known for its delectable traditional dishes, so why not learn how to make them. Spend Heritage Day by booking a cooking class to learn some of the local favourites such as koeksisters, braaivleis and gatsby. One of our personal favourites is the Cape Malay style cooking classes offered in the historic area of Bo-Kaap. Some of our favourite cooking classes are from Lekka Kombuis and Ginger and Lime.
- Visit one of CapeNature’s 22 nature reserves in the Western Cape for free. Visitors to CapeNature can enjoy a free day entry to explore their natural heritage at selected reserve destinations from 13 to 20 September.
- Join a Heritage Day scenic cruise around the Durban Harbour. The cruise includes starters, a photoshoot, complimentary bottle of champagne (2 bottles per table of 10 people) and lunch.
- Discover the magic of Freedom Park in Pretoria with free entry on 24 September 2021.
