3 Interesting Facts about Heritage Day

South Africa is made up of over 52 million people living across nine provinces, each a little country in their own right. Like cans of paint, South Africans come in a variety of colours, making up a rainbow unlike any other you’ve ever seen.

This – along with the different races, 11 official languages (that come with countless dialects), ethnicities, creeds and sexualities – makes us diverse. Yet at the same time, our diversity unifies us in that we’re able to integrate one another’s cultures to forge a common, colourful South African identity.

Hence, 24 September marks Heritage Day – an annual event where we celebrate our culture, as well as the countless traditions and values that make up our national affinity.

Here are three facts that you should know about Heritage Day:

Shaka Day

Before Heritage Day was established as a public holiday in 1995, 24 September was celebrated in KwaZulu-Natal province to commemorate the life of famous monarch, King Shaka. He was renowned for bringing different isiZulu clans together to form the isiZulu nation.

With the assistance of the Inkatha Freedom Party, South Africa’s post-apartheid government renamed “Shaka Day” to “Heritage Day” in order to accommodate other cultures in the country.

National Braai Day

“Braaing” – or, the grilling of meat and other delicious goodies over an open fire – is a cultural past-time that virtually all South Africans enjoy and can relate to!

From preparing various interpretations of braai food such as potjies and shisha nyama, to revelling in the company of friends and family, the occasions allows citizens from all walks of life to enjoy themselves. That’s why in 2005, Heritage Day was rebranded as “National Braai Day”, thanks to a successful media campaign.

Remembering Our Roots

Aside from braaing, South Africans express their cultural diversity through a number of vibrant, meaningful ways. Singing and poetry performances, musical showcases and dancing events that reflect various ethnicities are often at the forefront of Heritage Day celebrations.

Visiting museums, historical landmarks and sites across the country – from Robben Island in Cape Town, to the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng – are also enriching activities that help to encourage a sense of belonging, fellowship and national pride on this day.