What Is Heritage Day, And What Is On?

When you look up Heritage Day, the first Google result describes it as “...a South African public holiday celebrated on 24 September. On this day, South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.”

There is a lot of sensitivity around our individual heritages, but on this one day a year, we are called to pull those barriers and descriptions down.  A South African is someone who is an inhabitant of South Africa.  It really IS that simple.  And part of our charm is the diversity that this encompasses, from our “Rainbow Nation” status to our rainbow flag.  This is a day to remind ourselves of this, and to set aside our politics to find the common ground that we celebrate through pride, through uBuntu, through uniting to be heard.

Culture can be called “the way of life for an entire society.”  This includes codes of dress, mannerisms, religions and rituals, language, systems of belief, and behavioural norms.  In a country of such rich diversity as SA, instead of splitting and definining our individual cultures, we should just accept that as an impossibility – let’s adopt “acceptance” as our religion, “humour” as our mannerism, “passion” as our belief, and “mutual love of music and food” as our ritual, whatever that may entail!  We are the land, after all, of eleven national languages... our only norm is that there isn’t one, and that is a truly beautiful thing in a world that is growing smaller by the day.
On Heritage Day, we are reminded to see all the things that bind us, instead of tear us apart.  We are reminded that for all our teething problems in a teenage-democracy, we are nothing if not accepting and optimistic, and this one day should serve as a reset button for all of our prejuidices and resentments.  It reminds us that we are all in this together, and when we think of things that stir our pride – like Caster, like the people repeatedly voting for change, like students rallying together and a braai that holds both boerewors and a sheep’s head – we are reminded that it is the adhesive to our development as a unified nation on every other day of the year too.

On 5 September 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his appointment as patron of South Africa's “Braai Day”, affirming it to be a unifying force in a divided country by donning an apron and tucking into a boerewors sausage.  What a perfect image of reconciling our differences! 
Whatever you do with your Heritage Day, be it surrounded by loved ones at home, in the embrace of strangers laughing to music that you don’t know, or just admiring the many landscapes of this strange land that has survived so many changes, remember to embody the spirit of it, as Tutu said: 

“We’re going to have this wonderful thing on the 24th of this month, when we all gather round one fire.  It’s a fantastic thing, a very simple idea.  Irrespective of your politics, of your culture, of your race, of your whatever, hierdie ding doen ons saam [this thing we do together] ... just South Africans doing one thing together, and recognising that we are a fantastic nation.”

 

WHAT IS ON THIS HERITAGE DAY:
Take some time out to explore the cultures we share! HOD has shortlisted five things for you and your family to do.

1. BRAAI WITH YOUR BREW - Castle Lager SA brings you the first of their annual series of Heritage Day get-togethers, where guests can celebrate our South African heritage. At this event, you can expect live entertainment, braai pods to braai your own meat, delicious food vendors, long tables in the vineyards by Boschendal, ice-cold beers by CASTLE TANK BEER, and fun activities while hanging out with your fellow South Africans.  The entertainment lineup includes Jerry & The Bandits, The Motherland, The Sextons, Ultra Mel DJ, and more! Keep your eyes peeled, as more acts are to be announced. As for the food vendors, you can expect to get tasty food from Cravings, Mike’s Pizza, 5-Star Street Chef, and Bobbies Boeries!
Where Is It? - Ground, Plot 19, Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg.

2. SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER 2016 - Get down to Melrose and boogie the day away to an awesome summer explosion. Join some of the best local talent as they bring you live performances and great music all afternoon. Besides the jam-packed lineup, there will also be art, summer cocktails, craft beer, wine, organic fresh food and so much more.
Where Is It? - James and Ethel Grey Park, 61 North Street, Johannesburg, South Africa

3. VILAKAZI STREET FESTIVAL - If you have never been to Soweto’s famous Vilakazi Street, well now is your chance. Take part in thisauthentic festival that brings you a unique Soweto experience. This four-day festival has an array of entertainment for both young and old, including pantsula dancers, local brass bands, fashion shows, comedy shows, musicians and so much more. You can also treat yourself to a tantalisingtraditional meal too. Don’t miss out!
Where Is It? - 1830 Vilakazi Street, Soweto, South Africa

4. DVINE FESTIVAL brings you a chilled out Sunday afternoon that will have all things exciting, under one roof. This will be a day filled with jam-packed entertainment for every member of the family. From wine offerings, food stalls, live music, craft beer, organic products, fun games to kiddies treats – there is no reason not to attend! Don’t forget to bring your camera, camping chairs or blankets. It’s going to be great!
Where Is It? - Club Street, Linksfield, Johannesburg, South Africa

5. SACRED HEART COLLEGE hosts Black Coffee, Lira and top DJs for an evening of music and entertainment! This will be the last chance to see Black Coffee live in SA before he heads off on his international tour. But, before the music and entertainment, visitors can head through early (gates open at 12:00)  and enjoy a family day of fun with music, kid’s entertainment, inflatables, a craft beer and wine tent, and much more. And, if you’re feeling a little peckish, be sure to check out the selection of food that will be sold from various stalls. Get your tickets before it’s too late, and don’t forget your picnic blankets and camper chairs! The Hearts into the Future cycle family ride will commence at 09:30, going past sites of historical significance.
Where is it? - Sacred Heart College, 15 Eckstein Street, Observatory, Johannesburg.