Around the coals

Many won’t even know or realise that it’s Heritage Day, but almost everyone will know that we’ll be getting the day off work to braai.
The fact is that, although braaing isn’t technically part of the heritage of the majority of South Africans, it is so intrinsically South African that it has become the adopted culture of most of us – even if it is simply because the food is so delicious.
According to Jan Braai (on www.braai.com): “The history of braaing, the origin of fire and the controlled use of fire are all pretty connected, not only to each other, but also to South Africa. Scientifically speaking, South Africans are not only the best braaiers in the world, but braaing also originated here.”
Jan adds: “The theory is that the first braais happened when meat was accidentally dropped into fires, later removed and then eaten. The early humans found that the meat not only tasted better than raw meat, but could also be chewed easier. The rest is history, as they started dropping meat on and into fires on a regular basis.”
So it was all a great big accident, but what a fortunate accident it was.
There are so many debates about the correct way to braai – from how to make your fire and the correct temperature for each type of meat or vegetable, to exactly what meats deserve what treatments, from rubs to marinades and basting – but the one thing I think most South Africans agree on is that charcoal always beats gas.
We often disparage when watching movies and our great tradition is referred to as a barbeque. The fact is that the bbq deserves its name, for it would be sacrilege to lump meat flung on the grill and charred over a gas heated gridle with the delicate art of the South African braai, where every facet is attended to with great detail – and often great argument. Where we pride ourselves on our fine outdoor cooking, the bbq can never be accused of having any pride associated with it.
So, as we wish you a great National Braai Day, sit back and enjoy living in a country where the sun is shining and the wonderful smells of meat on an open fire engulf you from every direction.
No matter your culture or heritage, we hope that the perfect braai features in your weekend and public holiday.
But, if you aren’t in the mood just yet, here to help you get “your braai” on is the National Braai Day song, as performed by the Die Heuwels Fantasties, JR, HHP and The Soweto Gospel Choir.
Verse 1
The spring has arrived in Southern Africa
Not a cloud in the sky
Only flames in our eyes
As if everybody seems to know what time it is
Time for a braai
It’s time to have some fun
Chorus
I hear those voices until late at night
All together and we feel all right, all right
I see their faces in the golden light
All together and we feel all right, all right
Feeling Alright, hope you feeling alright people…
Verse 2
We stand united at the bonfire
We raise our glasses to the clear, blue sky
Tell me your story and I’ll tell you mine
Things will be better and I’m feeling fine
Chorus
I hear those voices until late at night
All together and we feel all right, all right
I see their faces in the golden light
All together and we feel all right, all right
I’m alright, are you?
Bridge
Try picturing a whole lotta people out at my place.
Everybody chilling. Re dibusa(getting down) by the fire place.
I’ll be in the back. Marinating on the braai vleis
Beer’s in the KEG, Pierre is bringing out the wine case
Its a known phrase,O jo re rata go braaya (we love to braai)
If you got no space chessa nyama o kaya (you can go to a public braaing spot)
If you’re not disgraced, say it loud “BRAAI DAY IS MY DAY”
Even ka labone(even on a thursday) I treat it like its a friday…
So it’s a fly (so it’s a fly day)
We call it a braai day e ne we do it our way
Cause it’s so mzanzi
Happy times are so naturalle in our county
Re rata sunshine
Pull out your smiles come on lets have a fun time
I’ll call Jabba and SGC cause in SA Die Heuwels is so Fantasties!
Chorus
I hear those voices until late at night
All together and we feel all right, all right
I see their faces in the golden light
All together and we feel all right, all right
I hear those voices x4
All together and we feel all right, all right x4
Braai please!!

Words by Pieter van der Lugt; music by Johnny de Ridder; performed by Die Heuwels Fantasties, JR, HHP and The Soweto Gospel Choir; video by Duvan Durand. Hi-Res of this video is available to television stations upon request.