One’s culture and heritage is always something to be proud of and nobody celebrates those qualities like South Africans who mark the occasion annually on 24 September.
Whether it be a braai with friends or a traditional event full of attendees dressed in colourful regalia, South Africans have always demonstrated pride on Heritage Day. As of late, the festivities have been scaled down due to Covid-19 rules and regulations but with the relaxation of the lockdown to Alert Level 2 it means that at least 250 people can gather to celebrate indoors with the capacity for outdoor events limited to 500. South Coast resident and beauty queen, Mimi Qatsi, said she is looking forward to spending the day with her son, Junior, following a tiring day of work. As a proud South African, Qatsi said she always makes sure to instill culture and heritage in her son as she believes that teaching children about their culture from an early age helps them to form their identity as they grow up. “Our traditions are the keystone to any community, irrespective of colour, creed or religion. We have come so far as a nation from post-apartheid years to eventually becoming a democratic country. So why not take a moment to bask in our glory and victory as a nation united,” said Qatsi.
With only a few days left until the braai stands are out and Heritage Day celebrations begin, Qatsi imparted the significance of Heritage Day and how the holiday was conceived. “As we prepare to celebrate this day, we must be reminded of the significant role that the legendary King Shaka Zulu played in uniting contrasting clans to create a single undivided nation,” she said. Heritage Day this year will be celebrated under the theme: “The year of Charlotte Maxeke: Celebrating South Africa’s Intangible Cultural Heritage”. Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, launched Heritage Month on 2 September and called upon South Africans to pass on their cultural heritage to children and emphasised the importance of celebrating diversity as a way to safeguard heritage treasures and bolster the collective sense of self as one united nation in diversity. So whether you choose to braai or just take a day off, be proud of your roots and be proud to be a part of a rainbow nation that is uniquely South Africa. Happy Heritage Day.
