Kerry-Anne Allerston
There are some days on the South African calendar that just feel very South African and Heritage Day has to be right up there. It’s colourful, it’s loud, it’s filled with food, music, family, friends and usually enough smoke from braai fires to make you wonder if half the country is actually on fire.
We celebrate it every year on 24 September which is just around the corner and while most of us know what Heritage Day is about, I’m not sure we all know exactly how it came to be.
Before becoming Heritage Day, 24 September was commemorated in KwaZulu Natal as Shaka Day, honouring King Shaka, one of the most significant figures in Zulu history. When South Africa’s new public holidays were being decided after the advent of democracy, the date was initially not included.
Following objections, a compromise was reached and 24 September became Heritage Day, broadening its meaning to recognise and celebrate the many cultures, traditions and histories that make up our South Africa. Heritage Day has been observed since 1995 and today it’s one of our official public holidays.
