Southerners claim a new heritage
The topic on Southerners lips recently has been Heritage Day vs Braai Day.
A number of celebrations were held in and around the south on September 24 as southerners reclaimed, restored and celebrated their living heritage, such as Lerato Educare Centre’s Heritage Day celebrations in Eikenhof.
Although many used the day to either do chores, catch up on some sleep, or they run errands, a great number also say that all they did was braai.. braai.. braai!
People say that the historic idea of Heritage Day is outdated which is why they commemorated their heritage in a completely modernised manner but with a touch of their individual cultures. The day is for remembering the cultural heritage of diverse South Africans in the spirit of being a rainbow nation.
While the standing purpose of Heritage Day still is combining a nation that belongs to all its people and was designed to see all diverse nationalities in South Africa somewhat finding a common understanding of each other’s culture, many say that to them, September 24 was just another public holiday.
Nationalbraaiday.com said their mission is to position National Braai Day as South Africa’s annual day of celebration with South Africans gathering around fires, being the central theme of the celebration.
Speaking to residents of Johannesburg South at a shopping centre in Bassonia, this is what they said they got up to on Tuesday but also expressed mixed views. Best friends Melishia Bezuidenhout and Bianca Goncalves say they used the day to relax.
“We just chilled and enjoyed the day with family and friends,” said Melishia Bezuidenhout. Adding that because they were with family, it was also a celebration on where they come from.
Bianca Goncalves: “I’m Portuguese so we incorporated our culture into the food that we served. We also went out to other braais and just relaxed with loved ones.”
A lady who asked not to be named said that she doesn’t really believe in public holidays. “I personally don’t commemorate any public holidays, I don’t even celebrate my own birthday, so for me it was just another day.”
“Heritage Day is one of those holidays that actually matter because of the symbolism of togetherness and borders above cultural boundaries but Braai Day was actually a good initiative to get people excited about the day,” said Winchester resident, Tebogo Seete.
Muzi Nkosi: “For me, yesterday was just another public holiday so I just spent it looking for accommodation because I’m going to be moving from my old residence soon.”
A death in the family changed the events of September 24 for Ann Refrew. “We went out for dinner with the family because there was a death in the family but the children had a Heritage Day concert at school and they got to dress up in IsiZulu cultural attire.
Tracy Jamanga and Patrick Tshabalala who work with Ann, said that for them it was a resting day and a time to just be with family.
An address by Deputy President Kgalema Motlhante touched on parts of history which represent hurt and anger, however, also emphasizing the importance of accepting the past as part of our history and the growing pains of a society as the nation sets about to reclaim and restore a society that is united, non-racial and non-sexist.
