Bernie Van Der LindeSeptember in South Africa is an exhilarating whirlwind of cultural festivities, as the entire month is dedicated to Heritage Month! The grand finale is National Heritage Day, a vibrant celebration held on the 24th of September that bursts with colour, flavour, and unity.
Accordingly, this day isn’t just a public holiday—it’s a jubilant tribute to the rich mosaic of South African culture and the beautiful tapestry of traditions that bind the nation together.
Since 1996, Heritage Day has been the perfect excuse for South Africans to revel in their heritage. Picture this: families and friends coming together to savour mouthwatering dishes. Moreover, friends unite to sip on delightful drinks, and indulge in the quintessential South African ‘braai’. So, what is a braai?
It is a sizzling barbeque that’s as much about the camaraderie as it is about the food. Consequently, Heritage Day is a day of celebrating what makes each culture unique while embracing the shared experiences that unite us all.
Regardless of your intentions. Get ready to eat, drink, and enjoy the true spirit of South Africa!
Why is Heritage Day also called National Braai Day?
The word braai is the Afrikaans word for ‘barbeque’. In some African languages, a braai is called Shisa Nyama or Ukosa. Many Indigenous people like the Khoisan and San have been using open flames to prepare their food. Subsequently, this tradition unites all South Africans, like our rugby and sunshine.
Since 1995, when Neldon Mandela was elected as president, communities have been getting together on this day to commemorate our diverse cultural heritage and our ‘sameness’. As a result, South Africans celebrate their multiculturalism annually on this day over a braai.
Things to do on Heritage Day in Cape Town?
Enjoy a journey through South African Heritage by visiting Mojo Market at 30 Regent Road, in Sea Point, from 1 pm until late. There is no entry fee. Enjoy African music by Justin Zulu, Marimba Vibrations, Ashweeta and Mmino.
Visit Boschendal’s Werf restaurant for a truly South African Heritage celebration. For R650 pp, you can expect a welcome drink and a delectable menu filled with South African favourites. Remeber that bookings are essential and can be made from the Dineplan app. At noon, kids can enjoy a fun puppet show by Ukwanda.
- Celebrate the day at Mira Beach Club. Enjoy live music, kids entertainment and a delicious 3 Course Braai Buffet including vegetarian options (R140 – R280 pp).
Many great museums in Cape Town will be open on Heritage Day. For example, the District Six Museum, Slave Lodge, Robben Islands, Castle of Good Hope (read about the Heritage Day run to the castle below), and the Cape Town Holocaust Centre. Find out more about the museums in Cape Town.
Talking of museums, the District Six Museum and Koeksiter.com are hosting a unique market experience at the District Six Museum Homecoming Centre. The cover charge is R45 per person, and all visitors must register on Quicket.
Muiz Kitchen at 150 Main Road, Muizenberg, is inviting you to a Spitbraai in celebration of Heritage Day for R250 per person. Book your tickets at Quicket to enjoy delicious food, good vibes and great music!
Celebrate Heritage Day with a braai at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa for R725 per person from 1 to 4 pm. Enjoy a feast of traditional dishes while admiring the spectacular ocean view and kicking back a classical Springbokkie shooter.
Visit Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. To celebrate the 100 years of the Grain Silo and seven years of Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary art, they are giving free access to all walk-ins. Open from 10:00 am to 18:00. Read our article about the top 7 attractions in Cape Town, where we discuss the Zeitz MOCAA museum.
Join the Aweh! Heritage Day Showcase at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. At this free event, celebrate Heritage Day by enjoying the dancing, music, and choirs of several truly South African artists.
- Join in the fun with the Franschhoek Motor Museum and their Heritage Day Run, which is part of the ‘Drive IT’ campaign. The cars will drive in convoy from Rondebosch Common down Main Road to finish in The Castle. Entrance to the castle is free. There will be vintage cars on display, an antique market, food stalls, live music, art and a children’s play area. Anyone wishing to enter a vehicle should contact hazel@starstruckautos.co.za
- Find more events on Heritage Day here.
How you can spread the love on Heritage Day in Cape Town?
Summing up, Cape Town has no shortage of excellent braai spots. For example, Oudekraal Beach, Newlands Forest, Silvermine Nature Reserve, Tokai Forest, Maiden’s Cove; Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif. Perdekloof and Wildschutsbrand Picnic Sites, Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Wynberg Park, Eerste Steen Resort in Blaauwberg; Berg River Resort (source: Secretcapetown). Read more about these awesome braai spots.
However, if you plan to go to a restaurant or to make your own braai at home, remember to try some of the truly South African dishes.
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Bernie Van Der Linde
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Until Next time,
Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra
