Celebrate South African cultural diversity

THERE’S more to 24 September than ‘pap and vleis’.

Heritage Day was not originally intended to be an official South African public holiday, but when the Inkatha Freedom Party, a political party with a large Zulu membership, refused to sign the Public Holidays Bill that was being presented to the Parliament of South Africa because it omitted the inclusion of Shaka Day, a day that commemorated the famous Zulu King Shaka, a concession was made.

Just as King Shaka was instrumental in uniting Zulu clans into a cohesive nation, Heritage Day (appointed in place of King Shaka Day) encourages South Africans to come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the diversity of the Rainbow Nation.

“When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation,” said former South African President, Nelson Mandela, in a Heritage Day speech.

Now, unofficially known as ‘Braai Day’ – families, friends and strangers unite at various events around the country to celebrate South Africa’s unique heritage in an attempt to build bridges and overcome the past by, for example, throwing a steak on the fire and enjoying a cold beer together.

Highway Mail went to Knowles SuperSPAR and asked locals what they appreciated about the different cultures in the country:

“I love the Indian culture. I love their dancing, spicy food and their colourful festivals. I also enjoy watching Bollywood movies because of the music.” – Amanda Maphalala from KwaDabeka

“The Zulu culture is my favourite. I appreciate their honesty, they can tell you what they think without being offensive.” – Abby Barriga from Kloof

“I like the white people’s culture because they don’t have as many traditions and customs as we Zulu people do. For example, they don’t have to pay lobola in order to get married like we do, which makes the marriage process a bit more difficult for us.” – Nomkhosi Mkhize from Mariannhill Park

“I’m a rare Indian because I don’t like spicy food. But I do enjoy anything that’s not curry, especially white people’s traditional food.” – Cookie Palanivelu from Malvern

“The Ndebele culture is so colourful. I like their accessories, their use of creative patterns when painting their houses and I enjoy their reed dances during their traditional ceremonies.” – Thandeka Magubane from Pinetown

“The Zulu culture is the most attractive to me, especially their traditional attire. It’s difficult being coloured as we have almost all cultures in one. And what I enjoy most about Heritage Day is, of course, the braai.” – Tamara Latchmigadu from Westville

“Xhosas have cool traditional attire and their traditional dancing is different from other cultures. But I also admire the Swati culture.” – Amahle Dlamini from KwaNdengezi

“I like English food, such as stir-fry, because of its many flavours.” – Keshnee Cheythram from Chatsworth

“Indians are the best because of their curry and their sense of humour. I also like how coloured people can tell any story and make it super funny. All cultures are worth celebrating and I appreciate the different family dynamics within the different cultures.” – Chris Barriga from Kloof