What’s in a name? Heritage Day in South Africa is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate their particular heritage and culture in a meaningful way.

What is Heritage Day in South Africa?

Heritage Day, once known as ‘Shaka Day’, is celebrated annually in South Africa on September 24th. Shaka Day was originally named in honour of the legendary Zulu king, Shaka Zulu, who convinced multiple Zulu clans to stand together, united against the Boers and the British.

This day of commemoration was in danger of being lost after 1995, as it had not yet been included in the Public Holidays Bill. It was subsequently included in the Bill in 1996 but with a name change – Heritage Day. This was to be an all-inclusive day on which to celebrate the heritage of all South Africans – for all of the diverse cultures to come together, unified, to celebrate their particular unique heritage and contribution to South Africa.

Heritage Day and Braai Day

An initiative was started by the media in 2005 to rebrand the day ‘National Braai Day’. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu became the national spokesperson for National Braai Day in 2007 and the name was changed to ‘Braai4Heritage’ – still unofficially ‘Braai Day’. There’s even a National Braai Day anthem.

Archbishop Emeritus Tutu thought that the idea of using the braai to unite people was a very good one, as it is common for people from various cultures in South Africa to gather together around a fire to celebrate.

Tutu has been quoted as saying: “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”.

Not Everyone Agrees with Braai Day

The unofficial (still called Heritage Day) renaming to ‘National Braai Day’ has been embraced by some, and criticised by others – with concerns that the name change reduces it to nothing more than a day of grilling meat over a fire. It’s important to remember the true meaning of the day and to respect the cultural heritage of all South Africans and people. This public holiday has noble intentions with pride, togetherness and community being high on the list of objectives.

Cooking on Heritage Day in South Africa

South Africans will celebrate this day in many different ways and that is part of the appeal. Some South Africans will dress in traditional attire on Heritage Day to celebrate their cultural heritage, while others will spend time with friends and family. One thing is for sure – a braai will never be too far away.

A good way to celebrate this day could be by visiting one of the many World Heritage Sites in South Africa to learn about other cultures.

Whatever you decide to do on Heritage Day, be sure to take some time to celebrate, or at the very least, acknowledge your heritage.

Heritage Day Recipe Inspiration

If you are looking for cooking inspiration, check out our selection of Tasty Heritage Recipes that Go Beyond the Braai.