Heritage Day

Our culture is so important to us as South Africans that we have an annual public holiday on 24 September named Heritage Day. This occasion is used to celebrate our individual cultures as well as how we come together as a united nation, despite our different backgrounds. The day is usually marked by people wearing the traditional dress of their cultural group to celebrate and show pride in their heritage. In more recent years, Heritage Day has been unofficially dubbed Braai Day, in celebration of the one pastime that brings together South Africans of every persuasion – the humble braai (barbeque).

The Ndebele are known for their brightly coloured and patterned houses – largely brought to the wider world through renowned artist Esther Mahlangu. Women of the Ndebele tribe wear brightly coloured skirts and blankets, while the men wear more subdued breast-plates and animal skin headbands.

Sa Today

There are many more unique cultures spread across South Africa, all of which are worth exploring – so if you were looking for any excuses to return and explore our beautiful country, make one of those a cultural tour of SA.

Looking towards more contemporary culture, South Africa’s struggle against apartheid has unquestionably had an influence, particularly within our townships. From new forms of music –such as Afrojazz, kwaito and now amapiano – to art, dance and everything in-between, the people of Mzansi have always been poets, creators and influencers, using art as an outlet for self-expression.

And while we’ve all got our own unique backgrounds, modern South Africans from across the cultural spectrum share a number of common interests. We’re a soccer-mad, rugby-crazed, braai-loving nation of seasoned weather observers and eclectic music lovers. We like long walks (i.e. holidays) on the beach, dancing to great tunes and cosying up every day after work with our favourite soap opera.

So don’t be fooled – South Africa’s a lot like many other countries today… just refreshingly different.

Cultural Icons from Mzansi

Charlize Theron – Oscar-winning Hollywood actress

Miriam Makeba – international African music pioneer

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Grammywinning traditional music ensemble

Hugh Masekela – the father of South African jazz

Trevor Noah – award-winning comedian and television host