Heritage Day (Public Holiday)

South Africa celebrates its cultural diversity with concerts and events on this Public Holiday

South Africa's Heritage Day is an invented “Nation Building” public holiday where South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions.

After years of Apartheid the Heritage Day public holiday is an attempt by the government to bring South Africans together in mutual understanding of each others’ respective cultures.

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela concisely explained it when he said the following in a Heritage Day speech:
"When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation”.

This statement by Madiba reinforces the notion that South Africa and its future is owned by its people.

Molo says: The Heritage Day public holiday is usually accompanied by beautiful spring weather. So use the opportunity to try one of the exciting things to do in our active in nature section or at attend one of the (often free) concerts celebrating Heritage Day.

Learn more about South African Public Holidays:

New Years Day
Human Rights Day
Good Friday
Family Day
Freedom Day
Workers Day
Youth Day
National Women's Day
Day of Reconciliation
Christmas Day
Day of Goodwill


There is always something special happening across the country on public holidays, so keep an eye on our events section for updates as well as other amazing events happening in and around Cape Town throughout the year.

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