Heritage Day: Why We Celebrate It. Plus News On The First Annual World Koesister Day

Share what heritage means to you in the inaugural #HertiageChallenge

Latest update: 2 September 2020

What does heritage mean to you? In a country so rich in culture, the answer can be different from one person to the next. We are inviting everyone to share stories of their heritage in the inaugural #HeritageChallenge.

JOIN THE #HERITAGECHALLENGE
We’re turning Heritage Month into a movement, and we want you to join us. The inaugural This is your Heritage Campaign features 10 days of stories about food, heritage, history, local humour and  destinations around the corner. Plus, we’re giving away six getaways, two diamond rings, a gift box with an iPad Pro, and Table Mountain Cable Cards. Join the #HeritageChallenge now.

WHERE BRAAI DAY COMES FROM
When Jan Scannell created the Braai Day campaign in 2005, calling for South Africans to “unite against a fire” it caught on and stuck. Its tenacity has enraged many citizens, who argue that the campaign makes light of our political history.  Jan (also known as Jan Braai) argues on his website that he wants to bring people together through braaing, which is “our common heritage” across race and culture. “Although the ingredients may differ, the one thing that never changes is that when we have something to celebrate we light fires and prepare great feasts,” he says on his website. 

WHY HERITAGE DAY IS IMPORTANT
Heritage Day had a controversial start. The day, 24 September, was once known as Shaka Day, to commemorate the life of King Shaka Zulu, the founding father of the Zulu nation. But when the Public Holiday Bill was presented in 1995, after our 1994 democratic election, 24 September was not a part of it. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), established in KwaZulu Natal, objected to the bill and after negotiations, the day was recognised as the official public holiday we now call Heritage Day. 

SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE – FROM BRAAI, TO EVENTS
Heritage Day, Shaka Day, Braai Day, whatever you chose to commemorate 24 September, South African comes alive during Heritage Month. Food is a big part of the celebrations. 

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HERITAGE DAY TIPS

Celebrate your stories with us. This is Your Heritage.

Discover 6 ways to celebrate Heritage Day. 

We’re turning Heritage Month into a movement. Join us.

Are you braaing at home? Try this snoek braai recipe with apricot jam.

To keep your dessert traditional, here’s how to make traditional malva pudding.

If you don’t feel like doing the cooking yourself, shisanyamas are a vibe. 

Or soak up some braai gees at these braai spots in Cape Town.

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