Marematlou Training Institute Celebrating Heritage Day.

History of Heritage Day

Heritage Day is a public holiday in South Africa that celebrates the roots and history of diverse cultures. Beginning in 1996, this day has been commemorated in South Africa, sometimes called the “Rainbow Nation”. South Africa has a wide range of diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions, and Heritage Day is meant to celebrate the unique variety of contributions of so many different people and groups.

The significance of September 24 as a day of celebration goes back more than a century to the Zulu King Shaka who died in 1828. The date is believed to be the birthday of King Shaka and has been celebrated as “Shaka Day” for many years.

One way the day is often celebrated is by wearing traditional dress to various events that are held across the country. Another way that South Africans celebrate this day is with Braai (an Afrikaans word originating from the Dutch word, braden, meaning “to roast”), which is an informal barbecue that families often host. Different names for barbecue used by South Africans are Shisa Nyama or Ukosa. 

In the past, some suggestions have been made to change the name to National Braai Day, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu even supported the idea. But the effort never made its way to fruition and the day continues to be called Heritage Day.

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Heritage Day