Do you braai on Heritage Day?

On September 24, South Africans celebrate Heritage Day, a day to celebrate our culture and the diversity of our beliefs and traditions.

However, in 2005, a media campaign sought to “re-brand” the holiday as National Braai Day in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of informal backyard barbecues or braais. At the end of 2007 National Braai Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage.

Review asked residents whether they thought Braai Day was more important than Heritage Day.

Lesley Malotane said it seemed traditional communities neglected Heritage Day when they adopted modern lifestyles.

“People think Braai Day forms part of Heritage Day, which is wrong. Heritage Day is more important than Braai Day and I think it will be best if government changes Braai Day to another date.”

Johannes Makgoka said Braai Day tried to go beyond Heritage Day, which was a bad thing. He added that Heritage Day should be celebrated to keep cultures alive so they could be passed on to future generations.

“African cultures will soon be out of the picture because we ignore them. Soon Heritage Day won’t have a meaning.

Rodney Semenya agreed with Makgoka, saying young people are not keen to keep their cultures and roots alive, which is why they valued Braai Day more than Heritage Day.

He added that Braai Day was sometimes associated with alcohol and drugs.

“I think government should conduct workshops to teach young people about the importance of Heritage Day and how it should be celebrated.”

Douglas Semenya said both Braai Day and Heritage Day were important.

“Both days are important so it is up to government to change the dates so that these two days don’t clash. Both days need to be celebrated thoroughly, so changing dates would be a good idea so that each day can get full attention.”

Lucia Malebogo said Braai Day was not more important than Heritage Day. “I think Braai Day is valued by men, while Heritage Day is valued by women. Both days are fully celebrated.”