What's Heritage Day About?
There is a very good reason why South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation. Our culture is so diverse and colourful that we dedicate 24 September each year to acknowledge the whole spectrum. It is these cultural and ethnic differences that bring us together as a nation. It is an opportunity for us to learn and engage with folks from different walks of life. That, in a nutshell, is what Heritage Day is about.
Why Do We Celebrate Heritage Day?
Because we can... just kidding. It's pretty important for us as a society to break down the barriers between our different creeds and cultures. By doing this we not only educate ourselves but we form an understanding of South Africa as a single unit – this unit being made up of different parts, of course.
How Do We Celebrate Heritage Day?
We wear bright colours, wish everyone a brilliant day and, of course, we braai. The day is usually a public holiday but this year (2016) Heritage Day falls on a Saturday – which sucks for us Monday-to-Friday hustlers. Braai Day, as the national holiday is also known, was kick-started by Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu as a way of encouraging unity amongst locals... besides, it's a great excuse to chop-and-dop it up. So make sure you have the coals blazing, the boerie defrosted and the steaks marinated for an epic feast this year.
Whether you braaing in a public space or at home, it's an opportunity to explore the different cuisines that make up this lovely country of ours... and everybody knows that South Africans love exploring different foods – it's like an adventure for us.
So, let's raise our glasses to this wonderful country of ours... Happy Heritage Day folks.
By Shawn Greyling
What are your plans for Heritage Day? Let us know in the comments section below. Perhaps share this with a friend and ignite the fire of love across the country. Together we can do anything we put our minds.
