Lifestyle

Heritage Day 2017 | South Africa

Heritage Day is upon us once again, which means it’s time to fire up the braai, and crack open a few cold ones to celebrate with family and friends. This year the well-known public holiday falls on Sunday, 24th September, so thank the public holiday gods, because you get to sleep in on Monday. 

What is Heritage Day?

 

This auspicious holiday got its start 21 years ago, thanks to the late president Nelson Mandela. Heritage Day highlights the melting pot of diverse cultures, races, traditions and beliefs in South Africa and gives each unique group its pride of place on the national stage. As such, traditional dresses, rituals and food are brought into focus. And food we South Africans love, and particularly our braais.

 

Braaing, in name, if not practise, is a well-established national pastime that has been lumped in with the concept of Heritage Day, given its nation building potential, and our penchant to dabble in a braai whenever a public holiday rolls around. 

 

The simple idea of togetherness is foregrounded by the communal nature of preparing a meal for family or friends. Ideally, this would spill over into connecting with others who may not share your heritage. So get those fires going, and invite a few friends, family and colleagues over to make it a jol.

 

For those who’d rather give lighting a fire a miss, check out these five things to do in Cape Town and Johannesburg this Heritage Day. 

Heritage Day in Cape Town

 

Embracing African Cultures 

 

Make your way to Gugulethu’s Luyolo Community Hall and spend time with fellow South Africans. Go dressed in your best African regalia or buy an outfit there. There’ll be local designers showcasing their work, so if you’re a fashionista you won’t want to miss out. The event commences at 11:30. R150 will get you in at the door, and a sit-down lunch. 

 

Heritage Day Bring and Braai 

 

This classic bring and braai is hosted at the beautiful Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. You’re allowed to bring your own meat, but if you forgot to stop at a shop beforehand don’t fret because they sell meat. Sides, salads and drinks are also on sale at the venue. Book your braai spot for a wallet-friendly R100. 

 

Willowbridge Heritage Day Market

 

If you want to do something completely different this Heritage Day, why not spend time at a market? The Willowbridge Market in Tyger Valley is the ideal option. Classic South African dishes such as Cape Malay curries and boerewors are some of the mouth-watering foods you can expect. And the cherry on top: live music. 

 

Free cultural experiences

 

Head out to the Mother City to explore all the historical sights the city has to offer. You can either pay a visit to the Castle of Good Hope, Planetarium, the National Art Gallery or the Iziko Maritime Centre. 

 

Enjoy a picnic at Helderberg Nature Reserve 

 

Not many people feel like hosting a braai at their home. No problem. Make your way to Helderberg Nature Reserve and enjoy a braai in the picnic area. Take along your whole family and enjoy a picnic with a view. As a bonus, you’ll get to see the different animals that call the reserve home as well as visit the historical museum. 

 

Heritage Day in Johannesburg 

 

Innesfree Park, Sandton

 

For a more relaxed Heritage Day, kick back and enjoy some fresh air at Innesfree Park. If quality time with your family is what you’re after, this is the ideal spot. It’s also the perfect excuse to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy city life. Braai areas are provided but remember to take your own portable braai.

 

Visit a few museums

 

Going to a museum should be on top of your list. Spend the day learning and discovering things you never knew about your heritage. From the Hector Pieterson Museum and the Apartheid Museum to the Mandela House Museum, there is a lot to choose from. Make this a family outing and explore together. 

 

Golden Harvest Park

 

This beautiful, tranquil venue offer you and the family a look back at our history. You might even get a chance to visit the remains of an ancient iron smelting area. This is a great park with unspoiled indigenous bushveld. If your ideal Heritage Day celebration is with your family, then this is the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful picnic together. 

 

Heritage Day at Stonehaven

 

Make your way to Stonehaven to celebrate Heritage Day on the banks of the Vaal River. Choose from the different South African dishes and flavours from their a la carte menu. Or simply enjoy what will be placed on the coals, which will likely include chicken and boerewors. A booking is required, so make sure you do that right away. 

 

Soweto Heritage Festival

 

This event is hosted by Soweto Theatre in partnership with Jozi FM and Soweto TV. This year the Soweto Heritage Month Celebration will take place at the Jabulani Amphitheatre. The entrance is free of charge. So you have no excuse not to take your whole family along. 

 

These are just a few ideas how you can spend your Heritage Day. So, whichever way you choose to celebrate, make sure to do it Mzansi style. 

See our updated list of things to do on National braai day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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