On Tuesday, Sept. 24, South Africa celebrated Heritage Day. Heritage Day is a public holiday meant to celebrate and honor all of the diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions of South Africa. Not only is it a celebration but it is a reminder to the nation of the importance of promoting social cohesion and fostering a significance around cultural heritage.
Heritage Day’s origins can be traced back to a day that was originally known as Shaka Day or Shaka’s Day. According to South African History Online, this was a day that paid tribute to King Shaka Zulu, a famous Zulu King. Shaka Zulu was a key factor in the unification of the different Zulu clans, becoming one nation in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. Sept 24 was chosen as it is the presumed date of Shaka’s death in 1828.
After the end of Apartheid, the South African government introduced new public holidays in 1966 and Shaka Day was not on the list. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party that was mainly composed of Zulu members, objected to the bill. Eventually, the IFP, Parliament, and the African National Congress, the political party that led the anti-Apartheid movement with Nelson Mandela as their leader, came to an agreement that the day would be a day where all South Africans could celebrate their heritage.
Heritage Day is a holiday that embodies the spirit of uBuntu. This is a term that originates from the Zulu language and it represents a philosophy of collectivism and prioritizing the wellbeing of the group over your individual wellbeing. This philosophy can be seen in the South African coat of arms which has the phrase ‘!ke e: /xarra //ke’, which directly translates to ‘diverse people unite’ from the Khoisan language. South Africa is an incredibly diverse country, it has eleven official languages and many ethnic groups. With such a variety in one country, it is clear to see why the government puts such a high emphasis on unity and interconnectedness.
In the past, South Africans gathered at Shaka Zulu’s grave to honor him on Heritage Day. However, recently the most popular way to celebrate Heritage Day is through a braai. This is a traditional South African barbeque where friends and family come together. Despite its celebratory nature, Heritage Day is not without its challenges. Some communities often feel that they are marginalized or overlooked during national celebrations. To address these concerns, initiatives like **Braai4Heritage** have emerged, encouraging people from different backgrounds to come together over a barbecue—an activity that transcends cultural boundaries.
Different communities will also practice oral traditions, rituals, and performances from their indigenous cultures. This allows the older generations to pass down cultural traditions to the younger generation which not only makes both communities feel closer to their cultures but also ensures that certain aspects of a culture won’t be lost through the generations.
Outside of that, there are events organized on a larger scale. These events are usually organized by the South African Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. These can be cultural performances, exhibitions, or educational activities all aimed to promote awareness and spread knowledge about the different South African cultures.
Heritage Day stands as a testament to South Africa’s journey toward embracing its cultural diversity while fostering unity among its people. It is more than just a public holiday; it is an opportunity for all South Africans to celebrate their unique identities. As former President Nelson Mandela aptly stated during his address marking Heritage Day in 1996: “Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.” By coming together to celebrate this day, South Africans reaffirm their commitment to building an inclusive society where every culture is valued and respected.
Written by Dorine Benedict
