Heritage Day Celebrations in South Africa

This year's theme
Picture: www.flickr.com

I am who I am because of my culture and all the beliefs that have been passed on from my great-grand parents to my parents and to me. Heritage is defined as something that is passed down from one generation to the next generation. Every year on the 24th of September, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day which is also known as National Braai Day. The aim of this day is to encourage people to celebrate their cultural heritage and diversity of their beliefs and traditions. It is also a day to celebrate the contribution of all South Africans to the building of South Africa. Way back in 2005, a media campaign was established to "re-brand" the holiday as National Braai Day, in recognition of the South African tasty tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues or braais. Furthermore, end of 2007 National Braai Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage and the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa's National Heritage Council (NHC). Most people celebrate this day by coming together as families and indulge in traditional home cooked meals.

Minenhle in traditional Zulu attire
Picture by Minenhle Ngcongo

I plan to celebrate this year's heritage day by dressing up in my traditional Zulu attire and cook for my family some traditional dishes:

• Umfino-Spinach
• Isijingi- Type og pumpkin
• Amaqina- A hoof of a cow
• Amadumbe- Potatoe like
• Tripe and dumplings

One of the radio station in South Africa Phalaborwa FM, it has organised an event which will be held on the 24th of September 2012 . This event will be held in Ga-Selwana Villiage at 10h00-15h00. The pupose of this event is:

1. To unite the community of Ba-Phalaborwa from different tribal houses and diverse cultures.
2. To embrace the common heritage we all share in a form of celebration.
3. To also educate the younger ones of their heritage, culture and tradition and that all these need to be respected.

There will be different activities which will be done during this event. Each tribal house will be having their activities to showcase. Activities will include traditional dance and singing.