Things to do on Heritage Day

Dance to swing, master the potjie, chill at a pool party, join a fun run

Last updated: Tuesday, 20 September 2022

The 24th of September is not only a day to gather around a braai with friends and family, it’s also a day to celebrate the diversity of South African culture and heritage. You can dance to Soweto swing, listen to jazz, enter a potjie contest or join these 5 other Heritage Day events.

OUR SELECTION FOR HERITAGE DAY 2022

GET JAZZY WITH TOWNSHIP SWING MUSIC

Celebrate the heritage of South African jazz with Sophiatown swing, a style of historical jazz that drew all sorts of people together (which made the apartheid government fume). The popular Pebble Shakers will play some of the greats, including cove songs by Miriam Makeba, Dolly Rathebe, Spokes Mashiyane, The Manhattan Brothers, Kippie Moeketsi, Hugh Masekela and others. Find this gig at Truth Coffee Roasting in Buitenkant Street.

Good to know: Cape Town Swing will introduce you to simple dance moves.
Time: Saturday, 24 September, 7pm - 11pm
Cost: R200, book here

36 Buitenkant Street | Cape Town City Centre | @capetownswing | Image: Cape Town Swing

FEAST YOUR WAY THROUGH AFRICA

Gold Restaurant is an experiential delight from the moment you step in: Malian puppets greet you, you'll hear traditional African drums and music, and taste food from across the continent. The whole space is designed to take you on a sensory journey into the colours, creativity and artistry of Africa, from Cape Town to Cairo. The 14-course meals are for sharing, and you’ll learn about the country of origin, cooking techniques and spices of each dish. 

Good to know: You can participate in a djembe drumming session every evening before dinner.
Time: Monday to Sunday, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Cost: Djembe drumming R120 pp, and R435 pp for 14-course meal; book online

15 Bennett Street | Green Point | 021 421 4653 | @goldrestaurantcapetown | Image: Gold Restaurant

GET ACTIVE IN A FUN RUN THIS HERITAGE DAY

Get your running shoes out and start stretching because The DLK Group Nantes AC Unity Race sees the return of the Nantes AC road race. It’s the 6th annual race and there are options:There’s a 10km for those who want to push themselves, or if you prefer a more relaxed and fun run, you can join the 5km race. There will be lots of prizes on offer. 

Good to know: Race Card collection is on the 23 September, Vangate Mall Sports Complex, Vangate Mall.
Time: 24 September; from 7am
Cost: R50 - R130, enter here

Vangate Mall Sports Complex | Vangate Mall | 082 747 8095 | @nantesathleticclub | Image: Nantes Athletic Club
 

CELEBRATE LOCAL CULTURE, MUSIC + FOOD

Join a celebration of South Africa’s diverse cultures featuring food, music and endless fun. Kick off the day with a 5km or 10km fun run. Then explore traditional food stalls and !Khwa ttu homemade herbal tea, Darling Brew craft beer and wine tastings. There’s a kids zone with face-painting, arts-and-crafts activities, plus live traditional music and interactive drumming. Join tractor rides and tour the world-class interactive Heritage Centre. Dress to impress in your cultural outfit of choice - you could be the lucky winner of a weekend at !Khwa Ttu.

Good to know: The !Khwa ttu centre is in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Time: Saturday, 24 September 2022
Price: R100 (adults), R50 (kids 6-12year), Free (kids under 6)

R27 West Coast Road | Yzerfontein | 022 492 2998 | info@kwattu.org | @khwattu | Image: Alexandra Bester

KICK BACK AT A POOL PARTY

Throw on your summer shorts or bikini, pack a towel and sunscreen and arrive early for a day of great music and spring vibes. In true Strolla style, it is hosting a spring pool party for the launch of its newly renovated restaurant and Heineken Deck. Sip bespoke Jaegermeister and Fitch & Leedes cocktails or order a bucket of Heineken, and dance and splash in the gorgeous pool.

Good to know: No under 21’s.
Time: Saturday, 24 September, 12pm
Cost: From R100 for tickets to R2 500 for VIP tables, get your tickets here.     

Read more in our feature about Strolla.                  


Strolla | 313 Beach Road | Sea Point | 021 433 1757 | @strolla | Image: Strolla

JOIN A BRAAI INNIE WESKUS

Looking for something in the West Coast? The Blue Bay Lodge is running a 3-day long celebration, starting on Friday with a burger and cocktail special as well as a jumping castle for the kids. On Saturday you can have a roosterkoek on the fire with plenty more drink specials. They will also be playing the Springboks rugby match in the evening. To end off the weekend, there's a Sunday lunch special. If you've already booked in for the weekend - you can enjoy this all for free.

Good to know: All guests who booked direct and are staying 2 or more nights in the Lodge rooms or Poolside suits can join for free.
Time: Friday to Sunday, 23-25 September


48 Gracillaria Crescent | Blouwaterbaai | Saldanha | 022 714 1177 | @bluebaylodge | Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

TAKE THE KIDS TO A MARKET

Bring the whole family, little ones especially, to the Valley Heritage Day Market. It’s at Valley Pre-Primary and the Denis Goldberg Foundation in Hout Bay. There’ll be  3 magic shows, face painting, jumping castles and plenty of yummy treats. The market will feature a youth entrepreneurs corner, and all children under 12 are invited to showcase their wares, goods or skills. There'll be a food court where local artists and vendors will sell Proudly South African goods.

Good to know: There's a competition to design a public holiday calendar; people aged 6 to 30 who attend school, live or work in Hout Bay can enter
Time: Saturday, 24 September 2022, 9am - 2pm
Cost: Free entry 

Valley Pre-Primary | Hout Bay | 064  976 9513 | @valleypreprimary | Image: Valley Pre-Primary

BE THE NEXT POTJIE MASTER

Become the next king or queen of the pot (or just taste the delicious creations) at The Charity Book NPC Potjiekos Competition. During the day you can cook, sip wine, chat or just be a part of the day's festivities. Celebrity guests Jenny Morris, Scott Parker and Ray van der Zande will be judging the creations. The afternoon's showcase brings you a variety of acts by local artists. All entrants will receive a free boerewors roll and will be able to purchase the potjiekos made. Proceeds go towards the charity.

Good to know: The PlayShed alongside the venue is suitable for children of ages up to 8 and supervised children are welcome to join their play area at special rates.
Time: Saturday, 24 September; 10am - 10pm (General entry access opens at 2pm)
Cost: R120, book here

Oude Molen Tavern | Alexandra Road | Pinelands | 0824139716 | Image: The Charity Book

By Sarah Jarvis

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MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE HERITAGE DAY 

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Experience a bottle store with a difference, it delivers cold within an hour.
Discover why you should be a tourist in your own town.
Find more things to keep you busy this week(end).
Take pictures with your heroes from the past. 
Uncover South African secrets at these exhibits.
Plan more free and cheap things to do.

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