The 24th of September is Heritage Day or Braai Day as it is often colloquially called. This public holiday is one of South Africa’s newer holidays and is a day when everyone is South Africa is encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions. Previously, the 24th of September was known as Shaka Day and commemorated the legendary Zulu King.
Heritage Day was declared in 1996 by the former President Nelson Mandela when he stated, “When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation”.
Let’s all braai
In an effort to create some commonality on Heritage Day, an initiative by Braai4Heritage called on all South Africans to celebrate their common roots by having a braai (barbeque). Archbishop Tutu became the National Spokesperson for “Braai Day” in 2007, saying “There are so many things pulling us apart…we have 11 different official languages, but only one word for the wonderful institution of braai: in Xhosa, English, Afrikaans whatever”.
“Braai Day” is celebrated all over the world
South African expats all over the world will be celebrating Heritage Day with a braai and exchanging stories and reminiscences about South Africa.
Whatever you are doing on Braai Day, reflect on the words of Desmond Tutu, “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. Hierdie ding doen ons saam (this thing we do together)!
If you are an expat living abroad here are some events you can attend:
Australia
Heritage Day Family Picnic
- Where: Castle Hill Heritage Park, New South Wales
- Date: 29 September 2018
- Time: 12:00 – 15:00
Come and celebrate South Africa’s Heritage Day with a family day picnic at Castle Hill Heritage Park. This will be a great opportunity to make some new friends, play some family-friendly games, and spend a day out in the park.
For more details please email: carlene.muilwyk@da-abroad.org.
United Kingdom
Heritage Day Family Bring & Braai
- Where: Wimbledon Park, London
- Date: 29 September 2018
- Time: 11.30 – 16:00
Bring along your portable braais, your braai packs, picnic baskets, snacks, drinks & anything else you think you’ll need for a day out in the park. Remember: please wear anything SOUTH AFRICAN.
Contact for more info: info@sadiaspora.org.uk
USA
Happy Heritage Day Braai
- Where: Vasona Park, Los Gatos, CA
- Date: 23 September 2018
- Time: 11:00 – 17:00
Kom praat die taal and hangout!! Bring anything you would normally need for a picnic / braai – self lighting coal, chairs/blankets to sit on, drinks, plates, chutney, peri-peri sauce, condiments, knives and forks, and anything else that is going to make this SO lekker!
For more information, view the event on Facebook.
Braai Day
- Where: Lake Pflugerville Park, TX
- Date: 23 September 2018
- Time: 13:00 – 19:00
Join fellow South African expats for a traditional ‘braai day’ to celebrate your common heritage. There will be a band, large grills and small grills, (if you want to bring your own grill you are welcome) a game of touch rugby, kayaks, canoes, sups, games and a light display.
Bring something to braai and/or a South African dish, your own chair, costume, games if you have any and cooler with your drinks.
For more information contact: info@solsausage.com
Dubai
Braai Day Celebration
- Venue: Ola Brasil Restaurant, Al Ghazal Golf Club, UAE
- Date: 24th September 2018 – pre-registration required
- Time: 18:00
Come and mingle with your fellow expats for a ‘braai day’ celebration to celebrate your South African Heritage. Grab the chance to win fantastic prizes including an Apple Watch. The special South African buffet will include 25-different types of meat to satisfy ALL your traditional taste buds!
For more detail email: shane.vorster@gwm-intl.com