heritage day activities The Panda news

Heritage Day also famously known as Braai day falls on 24 September of every year in South Africa. It was previously known in KZN as Shaka Day in commemoration of the Zulu King, Shaka. It became known as Heritage Day in 1995 to pay homage to the diverse culture of the South African rainbow nation. Then Jan Braai got involved in 2007 and we now call the day “Braai Day”, where Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is the spokesperson.

1) Braai Time

Well since celebrity Jan Braai got us to celebrate the day as Braai Day from 2007 onwards, the most popular thing to do is Braai at your house or at a mates house. Which is the most chilled, low-key way people like to celebrate, especially in Cape Town.

2) Activate the Muscles

If braaiing isn’t your thing you can participate in the Afriman & Miniman Duathlon in Pretoria.

3) Khwa!Ttu Heritage Festival

The San Culture and Educational Centre in Yzerfontein , is hosting a four-day festival at its camping and adventure site on the West Coast. People can expect food stalls, family activities and cultural tours. This is all in support of remembering South Africa’s earliest inhabitants. Cost is R70 for adults.

The Panda news heritage day

4) Six-Gun Braai Festival at Fort Wynyard

In Greenpoint Cape Town, this is a historic fort renowned for its military and historic pedigree with some of tunnels and bunkers. You can expect a braaied meal, a braai competition, craft beers, wine-tasting, live entertainment, bunker tours, and more. Costs from R60-R120.

5) Celebrate Your Natural Hair

Love your natural hair? Then celebrate with Johannesburg Natural Hair Expo at Constitutional Hill. General entry costs R120.

6) Cyril Ram Leads Celebration

Cyril Ramaphosa will be leading the opening of the Sandile Present Community Library. “The president will on the morning of the National Heritage Day celebrations officially open the Sandile Present Community Library ahead of addressing the nation at the Mxolisi Jacobs Stadium,” spokesperson Khusela Diko said.

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture collaborated with the National Library of South Africa and the Publishers Association of South Africa to produce a volume of work written in African languages entitled “Writing in Nine Tongues: A Catalogue of Literature and Readers in Nine African Languages for South Africa.” Read more about this event here.

7) Slave Lodge Event

Iziko Museum is hosting the in_herit FESTIVAL 2019. This is a week-long program created to show respect for South Africa’s diverse heritage. There will be events, activities, workshops, tours, and exhibitions. The cost is R30 for adults. You can find it at Slave LodgeCorner Adderley and Wale Streets in Cape Town.

8) CHEP Constantia Heritage Day Walk

This walk is an experience of oral history, with former residents sharing their stories, poetry, comedy, and music. In 2019, the annual walk is led by a band and ends at Groot Constantia where groups can join guided tours of the farm. It is free but donations are welcome and appreciated.

The Panda news heritage day

9) Run Run Run

Enter the FNB Joburg 10k City Run, if you are interested in running through Joburg City. Standard entry costs R170.

10) Dining Out on Heritage Day

There are many restaurants running events and specials in honor of Heritage Day.

If you are in Cape Town have a look at The Food Blog Cape Town.

If you are in Joburg have a look at Restaurants.co.za.

If you are in Durban have a look at The Food Blog Durban.