Celebrating our Heritage

Knowing ones history and where they come from is very important. It is where we find and understand our sense of belonging. A wise man once said in order to know where you are going, you need to know where you come from. You can’t really be someone if you don’t know history. In the fast pace world of technology and intermingling of language and culture, it is easy to lose our heritage.

As we travel down life’s path we forget our heritage. This is not good, as we’re forgetting history of our country and of the forefathers. So many of our great grandfathers who fought for our independence on these grounds on which we are now standing, of the suffering and sacrifice their families went through.

South Africans today don’t know the meaning of Heritage Day. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day. Braai Day annually falls on heritage day. Across race, language, region and religion, we all share one common heritage. It is called many things: Chisa Nyama, Braai and Ukosa to name few. Although the ingredients may differ, the one thing that never changes is that when we have something to celebrate we light fires, and prepare great feasts.

Heritage day is a day where South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural diversity of their beliefs and traditions. The public holiday is also to commemorate the past and struggles during the apartheid. So on Heritage Day, we look at ways in which can preserve our histories, cultures and family traditions. I encourage everyone to learn more about where they come from, in order to have a better understanding in knowing where they are heading in life!