The History of our Heritage
We have endured many trials as a country, but it is through our diversity that we are the only country known as a rainbow nation.
Heritage Day (24 September) is a colourful public holiday on the South African calendar, signifying that spring has indeed sprung while braai aromas drift through the air.
But what is the significance of this public holiday?
Heritage Day highlights the massive variety of beliefs, customs and traditions that enrich South Africa as a rainbow nation.
Prior to 1996, 24 September was commemorated as Shaka’s Day in KwaZulu-Natal, to honour the passing of the legendary Zulu king, King Shaka Zulu. According to South African History Online (SAHO), the proposed Public Holidays Bill before the Parliament of the new South Africa, omitted Shaka’s Day, leading to objections from the Inkatha Freedom Party. A compromise was reached when it was decided to create a day where all South Africans could mark and commemorate their manifold cultural heritage. That is how Heritage Day was born.
On 24 September 1996, to mark this day as national Heritage Day, former President Nelson Mandela addressed the citizens on a decision that led to the celebration of this day.
“When the first democratically elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our awe-inspiring and diverse cultural heritage has a heartfelt strategy to shape and develop our new nation,” said Tata Madiba.
The apparently easy concept of a day for locals to celebrate their heritage soon became confusing, when people started considering what heritage was and what it meant to them in a country that is home to the highest number of official languages, let alone the numerous other languages spoken in the country like Swahili, Arabic and so forth.
After a long delay, in the spirit of celebrating divided culture, the focal point became cultural segregation. Jan Scannell, also known as Jan Braai, a chartered accountant who turned braai-master, came up with a proposal initially called Braai4Heritage, calling on all South Africans to come together and celebrate their collective origin by having a braai on Heritage Day. The idea was supported by prominent members of the public, entertainment, business, political and sports personalities in 2007, and in 2008, Braai4Heritage was endorsed by the National Heritage Council.
There are various meanings to heritage, however, dictionary.com defines it as something that is handed down from the past, as a tradition: a national heritage of honour, pride and courage. Heritage is also defined as a birthright, an inherited lot or portion.
As residents of Krugersdorp, our pride that unites us and brings the world to our shores is our world heritage site, the Cradle of Humankind.
Read more about Homo Naledi here: Homo naledi: exciting new fossil find
Whichever way you choose to celebrate on Sunday, may you boldly represent your culture and heritage. Remember to document the festivities on camera or social media to share with other Krugersdorpers and the world.
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