First published in September , updated in September Each year in early spring, people across the nation get together to eat, drink and be merry, celebrating what makes us all uniquely South African. Heritage Day was declared a public holiday in and, since then, the 24th of September has been a day that encourages us to celebrate our cultural traditions, communities and heritage.
Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September in South Africa that recognises and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country. In its essence, the day embraces and celebrates the true meaning of why we call ourselves the Rainbow Nation.
South Africans mark the day by wearing traditional outfits, eating traditional foods, learning about different cultures and spending time with friends and family. To learn more about the history, life and legend of King Shaka Zulu, the Anglo Zulu war and Zulu culture, book either the:. Eventually, a compromise was reached, and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.
We did so, knowing that the struggles against the injustice and inequities of the past are part of our national identity; they are part of our culture. We knew that, if indeed our nation had to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of division and conflict, we had to acknowledge those whose selfless efforts and talents were dedicated to this goal of non-racial democracy.
Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa , while others call it a braai , but whatever the occasion, nothing beats gathering around a wood fire to cook a meal and celebrate together. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate South Africa. For editorial queries contact Julie at julie crushmag-online. For advertising queries, get in touch with Matthew at matthew crushmag-online. Or if you just want to say hey, get hold of us at hello crushmag-online. Words: Crush September 20, Share Pin 2.
What is Heritage Day in South Africa? Cooking on Heritage Day in South Africa South Africans will celebrate this day in many different ways and that is part of the appeal. Heritage Day Recipe Inspiration If these boerewors rolls have you salivating, then check out our favourite braai recipes and braai sides and salads. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply. Related Articles. Celebrate the Season with Windfall Wines November 9, Login Cancel. Get delicious recipe inspiration and foodie news delivered to your inbox.
To this day, thousands of people gather at the King Shaka Memorial on the 24 th of September each year to pay tribute to the great Zulu King. Eventually, a compromise was reached between the Parliament and the ANC African National Congress , and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage — Giving rise to Heritage Day!
Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa, while others call it a braai. Regardless of what term you use, the intention remains the same — Gathering around a fire, enjoying good food, good company and celebrating your culture and heritage with friends, family, and the ones you love.
South Africa ranks among the 10 most culturally diverse countries in the world. Each of these categories are further divided into sub-categories, to ultimately determine the level of cultural diversity in any given country.
In addition to being one of the most culturally diverse countries, the population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. It is because of this intricate and vast diversity that Heritage Day is so important in South Africa and should be celebrated by all its people. National Heritage Day is dedicated to recognizing the cultural wealth of our nation in its entirety. By acknowledging, embracing, and celebrating our various cultures, traditions, and heritage against the background of our unique diversity, we build pride in ourselves, our fellow South Africans, and our nation as we remember the difficulties and hardships of the past, share in the victories of the present, and raise hope for the future.
One of the most important aspects of Heritage Day is the fact that it exposes us as South Africans to different people, cultures, traditions, beliefs, and religions we may never have been exposed to or encountered otherwise.
And, in turn, allow us to understand, appreciate, recognize, and respect each culture and everything it embodies. At the end of the day, we are ALL South Africans, and our ability to grow and learn from each other is not only endless, but a gift.
This will further allow us to grow as individuals and contribute to a more unified South Africa. In essence, living heritage is the foundation of all communities and an essential source of identity and continuity. The various aspects of living heritage include: Cultural tradition; rituals; oral history; popular memory; performance; indigenous knowledge systems; techniques and skills; and the holistic approach to nature, society, and social relationships. Why is living heritage important and what role does it play?
Living heritage plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity, reconciliation, social cohesion, economic development, and peace. In every South African community, there are living human treasures who possess a high degree of knowledge, skills and history pertaining to different aspects of diverse living heritage. It is important for South Africans to reclaim, restore and preserve these various aspects of living heritage in order to promote and accelerate its use in addressing the various challenges communities are facing today.
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