September marks Heritage Month in South Africa, with the 24th celebrated as a vibrant public holiday cherished by people across the nation. On this day, people from diverse races, backgrounds, and cultures come together to celebrate both their shared and unique heritages. Heritage Day is not just a holiday; it’s a time to honour the rich tapestry of South African culture, reflecting the unity and diversity that define the nation. Below are five creative ways to observe Heritage Day, along with tips on how your bsmart card can make the festivity even more meaningful.
History of Heritage Day
Originally, Zulu residents in KwaZulu-Natal celebrated September 24th as ‘Shaka’s Day’ in honour of the great Zulu king, King Shaka Zulu. When the proposed Public Holidays Bill before the South African Parliament excluded Shaka Day, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) – a political party with many Zulu members – voiced its concerns. This led to an agreement to create a day where all South Africans could commemorate and appreciate their diverse cultural heritage. This historical journey from Shaka Day to Heritage Day reflects South Africa's ongoing commitment to celebrating unity in diversity.
In a further effort to unite South Africans, Jan Scannell (also known as ‘Jan Braai’) launched the Braai4Heritage campaign, encouraging people to put aside cultural differences and celebrate their commonalities. This initiative gained the support of influential personalities, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who became the National Spokesperson for “Braai Day”.
Image credits:Jan Braai (https://braai.com/)
1. Celebrate with a Braai: The Ultimate South African BBQ
A braai is the epitome of Heritage Day celebrations. Families and friends gather to enjoy this traditional South African barbecue, relishing succulent grilled meats and veggies.
Where to Shop: Use your bsmart card at Woolworths or Checkers to earn cashback on premium meats, marinades, and everything you need for the perfect braai. Visit your nearest GAME or Builders to stock up on all the braai tools and essentials.
2. Enjoy Traditional Food Feasts
Heritage Day is also a fantastic opportunity to cook and enjoy traditional South African dishes. From sweet, twisted koeksisters to the spicy, Malay koesisters, there’s no shortage of delicious heritage recipes to try. Don’t forget about the famous savoury dishes like bobotie, chakalaka, and pap.
Where to Shop with bsmart: Get all your ingredients at Pick 'n Pay or Shoprite using your bsmart card to earn cashback.
3. Cultural Performances and Festivals
Join the festivities by attending local cultural performances and festivals this Heritage Month. These September events showcase crafts, dance routines, and traditional music that celebrate South Africa's rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Where to Celebrate: To locate a celebration close to you, check out the social media pages of your favourite eateries and hangouts, community centres in your area, and city event listings.
4. Explore Heritage Sites and Museums
Heritage Day is the perfect occasion to visit historical monuments and museums to learn more about our nation’s rich cultural history. In September, many museums and heritage sites across the country will host special exhibits and events.
Where to Visit: Check out heritage sites close to you by following this link: https://www.southafrica.net/
5. Host a Multicultural Potluck: Share and Celebrate Together
Organise a potluck meal, where friends and family contribute dishes representing their cultural backgrounds. It’s a fantastic way to sample a variety of foods and learn about the diverse cultures in your community.
Where to Shop: Use your bsmart card to save on potluck ingredients at major supermarkets such as OK Foods or Food Lover's Market. Remember that only specific retailers from these stores are part of our bsmart retailer list. Follow this link to find out which retailers are on our bsmart retailer list.
Tip: Encourage your guests to use their bsmart cards for their purchases too, so everyone can benefit from the savings and cashback.
Make the Most of Your Heritage Day with bsmart
Heritage Day is a celebration of diversity and solidarity, a chance to remember our beginnings and look forward to our shared future. Whether you’re planning a braai, attending cultural festivals, or cooking traditional cuisine, your bsmart card is your passport to a fun and money-saving Heritage Day.
Start saving now! Use your bsmart card today or sign up for one to join the bsmart community and make the most out of every purchase. Happy Heritage Day!