history essay about heritage day

Heritage Day Essay Guide for Grade 10 Learners

This page contains an essay guide for Grade 10 History learners on how to write a Heritage Day essay (introduction, body, and conclusion). On the 24th of September every year in South Africa, there is a great celebration of all cultures and heritages of all South Africans. This was after the Inkatha Freedom Party proposal in 1996.

Table of Contents

Background on South African Heritage Day

Before you write your essay, you should first know what heritage day is and what it means.

The word ‘heritage’ can be used in different ways. One use of the word emphasises our heritage as human beings. Another use of the word relates to the ways in which people remember the past, through heritage sites, museums, through the construction of monuments and memorials and in families and communities (oral history). Some suggest that heritage is everything that is handed down to us from the past.

One branch of Heritage Studies engages critically (debates) with issues of heritage and public representations of the past, and conservation.

It asks us to think about how the past is remembered and what a person or community or country chooses to remember about the past. It is also concerned with the way the events from the past are portrayed in museums and monuments, and in traditions. It includes the issue of whose past is remembered and whose past has been left unrecognised or, for example, how a monument or museum could be made more inclusive.

Important: you should include relevant images to go with your key points. You can find plenty of images on the internet, as long as you provide the credits/sources.

When you write your Heritage Day essay as a grade 10 student, you will get great marks if you include the following structure:

• Provide a brief history linked to heritage day
• The main key issues you will be discussing throughout your essay
• Explain the changes that were made to this public holiday.
• Explain how the day is celebrated in schools, families, workplaces and other institutions like churches etc.
• How does the celebration of the holiday bring unity and close the gaps of the past?
• Explain how the celebration of the day enforces the application of the constitution of South Africa.
• What key points did your essay cover?
• What new knowledge did you learn or discover?
• What are your views on “Heritage Day”?

Example of “Heritage Day” Essay for Grade 10 Students

Below is an example of how to write an essay about Heritage Day for grade 10 learners, using the structure discussed above:

Introduction:

Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September, is a South African public holiday that serves as a reminder of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and diverse history. The day was established to honor the various cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make South Africa a truly unique and diverse country. This essay will discuss the history of Heritage Day, the changes made to this public holiday, and how its celebration promotes unity and reinforces the South African Constitution .

Changes to Heritage Day:

Initially known as Shaka Day, Heritage Day was introduced to commemorate the legendary Zulu King Shaka who played a significant role in unifying various Zulu clans into one cohesive nation. However, with the advent of a democratic South Africa in 1994, the day was renamed Heritage Day to promote a broader and more inclusive celebration of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.

Celebrations in Various Institutions:

Heritage Day is celebrated in numerous ways throughout South Africa, with schools, families, workplaces, and religious institutions all participating. In schools, students and teachers dress in traditional attire, and activities such as cultural performances, food fairs, and storytelling sessions are organized to educate learners about different cultural backgrounds. Families gather to share traditional meals, pass down stories, and engage in cultural activities. Workplaces often host events that encourage employees to showcase their diverse backgrounds, while churches and other religious institutions use the day as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

Promoting Unity and Closing Gaps:

The celebration of Heritage Day has played a vital role in fostering unity and bridging the divides of the past. By appreciating and acknowledging the various cultures and traditions, South Africans learn to respect and accept one another, ultimately creating a more harmonious society. The public holiday serves as a platform to engage in conversations about the nation’s history, allowing for a better understanding of the diverse experiences that have shaped South Africa.

Enforcing the South African Constitution:

Heritage Day also reinforces the principles enshrined in the South African Constitution, which guarantees cultural and linguistic rights to all citizens. By celebrating and embracing the diverse cultures, South Africans put into practice the values of equality, dignity, and freedom as envisioned by the Constitution.

Conclusion:

In this essay, we have explored the history and significance of Heritage Day, its transformation from Shaka Day, and how it is celebrated across various institutions in South Africa. We have also discussed how the celebration of this day fosters unity and enforces the principles of the South African Constitution. Heritage Day serves as a reminder that our differences make us stronger, and that through understanding and embracing our diverse backgrounds, we can build a more inclusive and united South Africa.

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National Heritage Day in South Africa: What is Heritage Day and Why Do We Celebrate It

Sep 13, 2021 | News , South Africa

First published in September 2019, updated in September 2021.

September is Heritage Month in South Africa, with  National Heritage Day celebrated on 24 September

Each year in early spring, people across the nation get together to eat, drink and be merry, celebrating what makes us all uniquely South African.

Heritage Day was declared a public holiday in 1996 and, since then, the 24th of September has been a day that encourages us to celebrate our cultural traditions, communities and heritage.

In the following post, we discuss South Africa’s Heritage Day; how it began, the connection to braais and how you can celebrate this year.

What is Heritage Day?

Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September in South Africa that recognises and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country. In its essence, the day embraces and celebrates the true meaning of why we call ourselves the Rainbow Nation.

South Africans mark the day by wearing traditional outfits, eating traditional foods, learning about different cultures and spending time with friends and family.

The History of Heritage Day in South Africa

The 24th of September marks ‘Shaka Day’ or ‘Shaka’s Day’, a day which commemorates the legendary King Shaka Zulu. Shaka Zulu played an important role in uniting different Zulu clans into one cohesive Zulu nation in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Each year, thousands of people gather at King Shaka’s grave to pay tribute to him and to honour his memory.

To learn more about the history, life and legend of King Shaka Zulu, the Anglo Zulu war and Zulu culture, book either the:

• KwaZulu-Natal Shakaland Zulu Village Tour
• Half-Day Soweto Tour
• PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour
• Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift Battlefields Tour
• Robben Island Half-Day Tour

You can also learn more about King Shaka in the book Shaka Zulu: The Biography of the Founder of the Zulu Nation by E.A. Ritter .

When the New South African Parliament omitted Shaka Day from the proposed Public Holidays Bill, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected.

Eventually, a compromise was reached, and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.

In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, the late former State President Nelson Mandela said, “When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.”

We did so, knowing that the struggles against the injustice and inequities of the past are part of our national identity; they are part of our culture. We knew that, if indeed our nation had to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of division and conflict, we had to acknowledge those whose selfless efforts and talents were dedicated to this goal of non-racial democracy.

In more recent years, National Heritage Day has become synonymous with National Braai (Barbecue) Day . Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa , while others call it a braai , but whatever the occasion, nothing beats gathering around a wood fire to cook a meal and celebrate together.

Why Do We Braai on Heritage Day?

There is nothing more South African than lighting a fire and cooking a meal, and it’s something that crosses racial, cultural, religious and social boundaries. The National Braai Day in South Africa was developed by Stellenbosch native, Jan Scannell – more commonly known as ‘Jan Braai’ – who quit his job in finance in 2005 to focus on the National Braai Day Initiative.

Just like the Irish have St Patrick’s Day, the French have Bastille Day and Australians have Australia Day, National Braai Day calls on all South Africans to unite around fires and share and celebrate our unique culture and heritage.

In 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu became patron of South Africa’s Braai Day, backing the idea that donning an apron to braai a boerewors (farm sausage) could be a unifying force in a country that had been previously divided. The following year, the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa’s National Heritage Council. It couldn’t be a more apt way to bring a rich and culturally diverse nation such as South Africa together in unity, because what good South African doesn’t love a braai?

How You Can Celebrate Heritage Day

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate South Africa. Here are six ways to enjoy this year’s Heritage Day. 

• Join chef Annie Badenhorst at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in Hermanus for their Heritage Day Braai on 24 September at 12pm. Guests can select either a delicious gourmet braai picnic basket, or share a flavourful braai platter. There will also be live music and great South African vibes.
• Celebrate with the Vrede en Lust Heritage Day Box which includes a selection of wines, traditional spices and condiments. It’s a great box to gift to friends or purchase for your own Heritage Day picnic or braai.
• Cape Town is known for its delectable traditional dishes, so why not learn how to make them. Spend Heritage Day by booking a cooking class to learn some of the local favourites such as koeksisters, braaivleis and gatsby. One of our personal favourites is the Cape Malay style cooking classes offered in the historic area of Bo-Kaap. Some of our favourite cooking classes are from Lekka Kombuis and Ginger and Lime . 
• Visit one of CapeNature’s 22 nature reserves in the Western Cape for free. Visitors to CapeNature can enjoy a free day entry to explore their natural heritage at selected reserve destinations from 13 to 20 September.
• Join a Heritage Day scenic cruise around the Durban Harbour. The cruise includes starters, a photoshoot, complimentary bottle of champagne (2 bottles per table of 10 people) and lunch.
• Discover the magic of Freedom Park in Pretoria with free entry on 24 September 2021. 

How to Celebrate Your Own South African Heritage Day Anywhere in the World

If you’re not in South Africa, you can still celebrate a South African Heritage Day by hosting your own braai (or barbecue).

Here are a few essentials to get your National Braai Day celebration going:

• Charcoal  
• A braai apron
• A complete grill tool set
• The Democratic Republic of Braai by Jan Braai recipe book
• A South African flag for decoration
• Ina Paarman’s Braai & Grill Seasoning to add some flavour to your meat (or vegetables)
• Your preferred selection of meat, vegetables, salads, bread and condiments

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate National Heritage Day, enjoy it with friends and family, wave the South African flag proudly, and remember your heritage and the place it holds in South Africa’s multicultural landscape.

Read about the other important public holidays in South Africa:

• What is Human Rights Day and Why We Celebrate on March 21
• What is Freedom Day in South Africa and Why Do We Celebrate It
• Why We Celebrate Youth Day on 16 June
• Why We Celebrate Women’s Day on August 9th

While not a public holiday, here’s how you can celebrate Mandela Day on 18 July .

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13 Comments

Nice information

Thank you! 🙂

[email protected]

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Letitia thanks for informative and helpful information

What is the name and surname of the person who published all this Information am doing a school project about heritage please reply

Nice to read your blog!

Thanks 😊, now I know about 24 September

Yo u colll bro ur my step bro 😍🤞🏽

This is one of the best posts I have ever came across. Today we celebrate Heritage day “online” as a corporate company and guess what ? I will be using some of YOUR information to share with our special people ! I have learned so much in 7 to 8 of your first sentences ! Brilliant – what a lovely layout and professional, yet super light and great for culture day celebrations! Happy Heritage day and have a wonderful “BRAAI” !!!! … en melktert !

Thank you so much Vicky! We’re delighted that you found the post valuable. Have a lekker Heritage Day! 🙂

Thank you. I’m grateful. My brother’s assignment benefited much from it, and I also picked up some new knowledge.

This is wonderful

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• My 6 favourite things about this Heritage Day weekend - Brat with a Blog - […] Thursday it was Heritage Day in South Africa. Heritage Day is a public holiday, so like many others Mr…
• Celebrate Heritage Day 2020  | Show National Pride This Heritage Day - […] African Travel Compass states that September 24th was originally Shaka Day. A day that commemorated the great Zulu king Shaka…
• 5 Historical sites you can visit this Heritage Day - Entertainment SA - […] Main Image: africantravel […]
• Heritage Month & Day - Leads 2 Business Blog - […] African Travel Canvas SA History National […]
• Braai, friends and pickled kumquats - Kriya Gangiah shares her take on Heritage Day - samachar24live.com - […] पहले ‘शाका दिवस’ कहा जाता था, 24 सितंबर महान राजा शाका ज़ुलु की याद दिलाता है, जो “क्वाज़ुलु-नताल में…

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Professor of Anthropology and Executive Dean of Arts , Nelson Mandela University

Disclosure statement

Rosabelle Boswell receives funding from the National Research Foundation.

Nelson Mandela University provides funding as a partner of The Conversation AFRICA.

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Foundation essay: This is a longer than usual article that takes a wider look at a key issue affecting society.

September is heritage month in South Africa. However, not many people may know that heritage and Heritage Day are much more than another chance for a barbeque, known locally as a braai.

In the past few years, many South Africans have come to associate Heritage Day with a good opportunity to do just that. On this day, some South Africans eat boerewors (homemade flavoured sausage) and drink beer. After all, Heritage Day is unofficially classified by some as ‘National Braai Day’. But heritage is much more than boerewors and beer. It is big business worldwide and has become part of a global toolkit for interpreting the past and forging the future.

A global phenomenon

In the past 50 years, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Council has inscribed more than 900 sites on its World Heritage List . Tourists from across the globe flock to these sites, earning major income for the nations concerned. A Global Heritage Fund study showed that 500 global heritage sites in the developing world are expected to generate over US $100 billion a year by 2025.

Authors on heritage are also prolific, as the literature is vast. Global conferences on heritage and tourism host thousands of anthropologists, tourism specialists, historians, archaeologists and development professionals. The experts debate the meaning of heritage, its commoditisation in the contemporary world, the impact of globalisation on culture, the loss of important monuments and artefacts through war, terrorism and colonisation. The presenters also debate the role of heritage in national political discourse, especially in emergent discourses in post-colonial states.

Sceptics among them argue that heritage has become that warm fuzzy blanket we use to nostalgically reflect on and evoke the past. We may look wistfully at statues of fallen war heroes and remember their contribution to peace, freedom and democracy, consolidating their place in history and collective memory. Heritage is also accused of inducing amnesia, encouraging a remembrance of certain things and a forgetting of others.

Authors argue that this is especially relevant in nations where the legacy of colonialism is still evident, where the political marginalisation or ‘othering’ of groups has led to the associated marginalisation of their heritage. Thus heritage management is rarely a neutral interpretation of the past.

Symbols for the powerful, or for the people

In recent decades then, and certainly in global society, it has become abundantly clear that heritage is not merely a legacy or a gift that we pass from one generation to the next. It can become the symbolic capital of the powerful, their way for reproducing hegemony in the world. The latter is especially relevant when one takes a closer look at the World Heritage List, which indicates that many of the world heritages are situated in the global north.

The majority of tangible heritages identified on the World Heritage List are in North America and Europe. African heritages, many of which are intangible, are few on this list. One might surmise that a list prepared by a multinational organisation is not important, but as the Global Heritage Fund study shows , world heritage is a source of significant revenue. More important than revenue, heritage sites serve as important spaces and places for restorative justice, healing and pride.

The restoration of heritage can offer new narratives of the nation. The stories can also offer a space for democratisation, for the inclusion of women’s contributions to culture and identity. An uncritical ‘use’ of heritage, however, can also be detrimental and encourage what some have called a ‘cultural mosaic’ view of the world, separated and marked by difference.

In 2003, Unesco ratified its Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage . This was a welcome addition to its various, detailed conventions regarding the protection of cultural and natural heritages. But Unesco cannot enforce the protection and safeguarding of heritage. At least, there was not a case of it doing so, until very recently, when it condemned the Islamic State’s bombing of the Bel Temple in Palmyra as a war crime .

This critical decision on the part of the world body raises important questions that can be posed but not answered here. How do we decide what should be safeguarded? Can and should heritages last for all time? What kind of war crimes should we be foregrounding and focusing on?

Where heritage is woven into everyday life

Anthropological research in the southwest Indian Ocean shows that heritage is regional, dynamic, creolised and deeply intangible. The reason for its intangibility is that African slaves and Indian indentured labourers, as well as the islands’ many immigrant communities, could not bring all of their tangible artefacts with them. In most instances, those of African and Indian descent were denigrated and denied their cultural identity.

The heritages which these populations hold, however, now find expression in everyday actions and places. From the honouring of ancestors to the composition of music (in the Sega of Mauritius for example) and the attention to oralature, the creolised people of the islands occupy a rich and culturally dynamic social world. On the magical island of Zanzibar, for instance, identities and heritages are imbued with scent.

The use of ylang-ylang, patchouli and vanilla infuse cultural rituals and mark off cultural boundaries. Scent is used to ward off evil and illness and aroma used to attract romance and health. History is described in scented terms, a time of glorious fragrant harmony and the displeasure and stink of present corruption.

In Madagascar, ancestral veneration is still significant and is replete with a range of cultural practices which find unique expression in different parts of the island. Heritage is evident in wood carving, a unique maritime ethos (in the sand drawing of the Vezo in the south of the island), in food and in hair styling. There are, for instance, the ‘braids of love’ (which for women symbolises one’s desire to find a true and lasting love) or braids signifying that one has recently become a mother.

Celebrating the present rather than the past

To return to the incredibly culturally rich continent of Africa and South Africa in particular, one finds an equally rich set of heritages. This is evident in the country’s 11 official languages, the dress of its indigenous peoples, the cultural rituals they share and in the music they compose and sing. Heritage is also evident in the philosophy of Ubuntu , in the political heritage of liberation and in the multifarious contributions of the nations’ diverse immigrant and settler populations. Ubuntu concerns the collective idealised behaviour and practice, produced by communities over a long period of time.

National Braai Day is, as one anthropology colleague once argued, a way to achieve a universal, apolitical symbol of national unification. However and in view of the ongoing Rhodes Must Fall movement , in which there is the removal and ‘defacing’ of colonial monuments across the country as part of efforts to reclaim the present by effacing the past, one finds that there is little focus on the existing bio and cultural diversity of South Africa and a true celebration of these things in all their complexity.

The braai, delicious as it is, is not exactly post-apartheid or un-gendered food. Some might say that it enacts a nostalgic image of (male, settler) farmers gathered around a fire, drinking their home brew and eating homemade sausages in the veld . It is almost a return in the urban ‘jungle’, to an authentic or imagined past. Perhaps contemporary, post-apartheid South Africa should not lose itself in the boerewors and the braai.

Nevertheless, we should be careful not to throw the boerewors out with the braai, as no two boerewors are the same and the braai is different across South Africa, as each person or ‘community’ brings its own flavour to the feast.

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First celebration of National Heritage Day

BBC News,'  Tutu praises 'unifying' barbecues  ',[online], 6 September 2007 , Available at www.news.bbc.co.uk [Accesssed : 13 September 2013]| info.gov,' South African Government Information. Public Holidays ',[online],Available at www.info.gov.za [Accessed: 13 September 2013]

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Home » Media Room » Culture » Why does South Africa celebrate Heritage Day?

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Why does South Africa celebrate Heritage Day?

Heritage Day – 24 September – is one of South Africa’s newer public holidays, declared after the republic became a democracy in 1994. The day was first observed in 1996.

Priya Pitamber

Prior to that, 24 September was commemorated in KwaZulu-Natal as Shaka Day, in honour of the legendary Zulu leader, King Shaka Zulu.

When this day was omitted from the proposed Public Holidays Bill before parliament in 1995, the Inkatha Freedom Party objected. In the spirit of reconciliation, a compromise was made to create a day on which everyone in the country could celebrate diversity in cultural heritage.

“The day is one of our newly created public holidays and its significance rests in recognising aspects of South African culture which are both tangible and difficult to pin down: creative expression, our historical inheritance, language, the food we eat as well as the land in which we live,” said the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in 1996.

“Within a broader social and political context, the day’s events are a powerful agent for promulgating a South African identity, fostering reconciliation and promoting the notion that variety is a national asset as opposed to igniting conflict.”

Mandela on heritage

In marking Heritage Day in 1996, Nelson Mandela stated:

“When our first democratically elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.

“We did so knowing that the struggles against the injustice and inequities of the past are part of our national identity; they are part of our culture. We knew that, if indeed our nation has to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of division and conflict, we had to acknowledge those whose selfless efforts and talents were dedicated to this goal of non-racial democracy.”

Would you like to use this article in your publication or on your website? See Using Brand South Africa material .

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Heritage Day – September 24, 2024

Heritage Day on September 24 is a day that celebrates South Africa’s roots, their rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures. South Africa is called the ‘‘Rainbow Nation’’ due to its color and diversity, and this is why Heritage Day exists. Its goal is to nurture and embrace South African culture for what it truly is, accepting all races and genders. The day is usually celebrated with a cookout known as a braai and we suggest that you channel your inner South African and celebrate with a feast of your own.

History of Heritage Day

September 24 was previously known in South Africa as Shaka Day, a day commemorating the Zulu King of Shaka. He was known for uniting the Zulu clan together and forming the Zulu nation. Every year, South Africans would gather at his grave to honor him. In 1995 a request for the day to be confirmed as an official holiday was rejected. After receiving some pushback from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a majority Zulu party, it was decided that the day was needed and would be known as ‘‘Heritage Day.’’

Since then South Africans have celebrated Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many different cultures that make up their nation. Events are held across the

country with some people choosing to dress up in traditional attire.

There was a media campaign in 2005 that sought to have the day recognized as National Braai Day, to acknowledge the backyard barbeque tradition, but the holiday is still officially recognized as Heritage Day.

Heritage Day timeline

Shaka the Zulu king dies provoking a remembrance day in his name, celebrating that he often encouraged a cohesive nation.

The Public Holidays Bill presented to the Parliament of South Africa does not have September 24 on their list of official public holidays.

Nelson Mandela addresses Heritage Day claiming that the day will allow the country's heritage to help build a new nation.

Ebrahim Rasool, a South African politician addresses the public at a Heritage Day gathering in Gugulethu.

After belittling it in 2007, the National Heritage Council endorses National Heritage Day

Heritage Day FAQ s

When is heritage day.

September 24

What is Heritage Month South Africa?

Heritage Month is celebrated every year in September. It was created by the government as a way to foster greater social cohesion and a shared national identity.

What was the theme of Heritage Month 2019?

The theme was ‘‘Indigenous Heritage Month’’ and it was centered on maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy.

Heritage Day Activities

Read up on south africa’s history.

Do some research on South Africa’s cultural past. Read up on their intense political history (Nelson Mandela’s life to start), racial injustices, languages, and culture in general. There is so much to learn! It will help you understand the day better and why it’s needed.

Host a Braai

Get the tongs out, heat the barbecue, and invite everyone. But if it’s more fun for you, attend a huge braai with people you may not know. The point is to embrace each other.

Share your day on social media

Use the hashtags #heritageday or #braaiiday to share what you got up to for the day and maybe also what you’ve learned. In 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared their thoughts about the day on Instagram. ‘‘The area has seen inter-community tension rise over the last few years, yet days like today show how faith, traditions, food, and music bring people together and celebrate the things that unite each and every one of us.’’

5 Facts About Heritage Day

I am also known as….

This day is also known as National Braai Day.

Africa forever

Africans make up 79% of South Africa’s population.

Born in the 90s

1995 was the first year Heritage Day was celebrated.

The land of plenty

South Africa has 10 heritage sites declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Different size Braais

Braai’s vary from Potjies, Shisha Nyama and Spit Braais.

Why we love Heritage Day

Pure shores.

The day aims to ease tension and we’re all for that. This day is all about unity and we’re loving that message.

It’s all about that Braai

A cookout or barbeque is always a winner in bringing people together. A bit of food, some drinks, and company. What more could you want?

The culture

South Africa’s culture is rich and should be celebrated! Be part of this and look more into their culture.

Heritage Day dates

Heritage day related holidays.

Nelson Mandela Day

United Nations Day

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Essay On Heritage Day in South Africa

Heritage Day, celebrated annually on September 24th in South Africa, holds great significance as a national holiday that promotes cultural diversity, unity, and the preservation of the country’s rich and varied heritage. Previously known as Shaka Day, it was officially renamed Heritage Day in 1996 to emphasize inclusivity and recognize the importance of various cultural backgrounds that make up the nation’s unique identity. This essay delves into the history and significance of Heritage Day, its impact on South African society, and the initiatives taken to preserve and celebrate the country’s heritage.

The History of Heritage Day

The roots of Heritage Day can be traced back to the commemoration of Shaka Day, which originally honored the legendary Zulu king, King Shaka Zulu. King Shaka was a prominent figure in Zulu history, known for his military prowess and leadership during the early 19th century. The day was initially celebrated primarily by Zulu communities in KwaZulu-Natal, the province where the Zulu Kingdom thrived.

However, with the dawning of democracy in 1994 and the end of apartheid, South Africa embarked on a journey of reconciliation and inclusivity. As part of this transformative process, the government decided to rename Shaka Day to Heritage Day to embrace all cultures and recognize the nation’s diverse heritage. The aim was to promote social cohesion, inclusivity, and respect for different cultural traditions and practices that exist within the country.

why do heritage day is celebrated in South Africa

Heritage Day is celebrated in South Africa on 24 September to recognize and celebrate the cultural diversity of the country. The day was first celebrated in 1996, after the end of apartheid, as a way to promote unity and reconciliation among South Africans of all backgrounds.

The date of 24 September was chosen because it is the anniversary of the death of King Shaka Zulu, a Zulu leader who is considered to be one of the most important figures in South African history. However, the day is now more broadly seen as a celebration of all the different cultures that make up South Africa, including the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Afrikaner, and British cultures.

On Heritage Day, South Africans celebrate their culture in a variety of ways. They may attend cultural events, such as festivals or performances, or they may simply spend time with family and friends sharing food, music, and stories from their heritage. The day is also a time to learn about the history and traditions of different cultures, and to appreciate the diversity of South Africa.

Heritage Day is an important day for South Africa because it helps to promote unity and understanding among its people. It is a day to celebrate the richness of South Africa’s cultural heritage, and to reaffirm the country’s commitment to diversity and equality.

Here are some of the ways that South Africans celebrate Heritage Day:

• Attending cultural events, such as festivals, performances, or traditional ceremonies.
• Visiting museums and historical sites.
• Learning about the history and traditions of different cultures.
• Sharing food, music, and stories from their own heritage with family and friends.
• Wearing traditional clothing.
• Participating in traditional dances or ceremonies.
• Volunteering at organizations that promote cultural heritage.

Heritage Day is a day for all South Africans to come together and celebrate their rich and diverse culture. It is a day to learn about each other’s heritage and to appreciate the unique qualities that make South Africa such a special country.

The Significance of Heritage Day

Heritage Day is more than just a public holiday; it is a symbol of unity and respect for South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. In a country with eleven official languages and a multitude of ethnicities, religions, and traditions, Heritage Day plays a pivotal role in fostering national pride and social cohesion. It is a day that encourages South Africans to celebrate their unique identities while embracing their shared humanity.

One of the key elements of Heritage Day is the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding. Communities across the country come together to share their customs, music, dance, and cuisine, providing a platform for individuals to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultural heritage of their fellow citizens. By participating in these festivities, people can gain insight into the experiences and histories of others, bridging the gaps that may exist between different cultural groups.

Heritage Day and Cultural Preservation

In addition to fostering unity and understanding, Heritage Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the nation’s heritage. South Africa boasts a plethora of traditional practices, languages, rituals, and historical landmarks that reflect the country’s rich history. Preserving this heritage is crucial not only for cultural reasons but also for the social and economic development of the nation.

One notable aspect of South Africa’s heritage is its indigenous knowledge systems. These systems, passed down through generations, hold valuable insights into sustainable practices, herbal medicine, and environmental conservation. By acknowledging and preserving indigenous knowledge, South Africa can tap into the wisdom of its ancestors and find solutions to modern challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation.

Moreover, the preservation of cultural heritage contributes to tourism and economic development. South Africa’s unique cultural offerings attract tourists from all over the world, providing an economic boost to local communities. Through the promotion of heritage sites , museums, and cultural festivals, Heritage Day plays a significant role in supporting the tourism industry and creating employment opportunities for locals.

Celebrating Heritage Day: Festivals and Activities

Heritage Day celebrations take various forms across the country, with communities organizing events that showcase their distinctive traditions and customs. Some of the most popular activities and festivals held on this day include:

1. Cultural Festivals: Various cultural festivals are organized, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling. These festivals provide a platform for artists and performers to showcase their talents and preserve their cultural heritage.

2. Braai Day: A prominent and widely enjoyed aspect of Heritage Day is the tradition of braai (barbecue). South Africans of all backgrounds come together to enjoy a delicious feast, reinforcing the spirit of unity and togetherness.

3. Heritage Walks and Tours: Guided walks and tours are organized in different cities, allowing people to explore historical landmarks, museums, and sites of cultural significance.

4. Traditional Attire: Many South Africans take pride in wearing traditional clothing on Heritage Day, showcasing their cultural identity with pride.

5. Indigenous Knowledge Exhibitions: Events that highlight indigenous knowledge systems and traditional practices are held to educate and raise awareness about the country’s diverse heritage.

6. Heritage Food and Craft Markets: Local artisans and food vendors set up markets to showcase traditional crafts and cuisine, providing an opportunity for economic empowerment for small businesses.

The Role of Education and Media

To ensure the continued significance of Heritage Day, education and media play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting cultural understanding. Schools incorporate lessons on cultural heritage, history, and traditions, encouraging young generations to appreciate their heritage and respect the cultures of others.

Similarly, the media plays a vital role in shaping the narrative around Heritage Day. Television programs, radio shows, and newspaper articles can promote cultural diversity and foster a sense of national pride. By highlighting the unique aspects of different cultural groups and promoting positive interactions between communities, the media can contribute to a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While Heritage Day serves as a positive force in South African society, it also faces challenges that need to be addressed to maximize its impact. One major challenge is the lingering effects of apartheid, which created divisions and inequalities between different cultural groups. Overcoming these deep-rooted issues requires sustained efforts from the government, civil society, and individuals to promote reconciliation and understanding.

Another challenge is the risk of cultural commodification. As Heritage Day gains popularity, there is a danger of turning cultural practices into mere tourist attractions or commercial products. It is essential to strike a balance between celebrating heritage and respecting its sacredness and authenticity.

Moreover, as South Africa embraces modernization and globalization, there is a risk of losing some traditional practices and languages. Preserving these aspects of heritage requires proactive measures, such as revitalizing indigenous languages in schools and supporting initiatives to pass down traditional knowledge to younger generations.

In conclusion, Heritage Day in South Africa represents a powerful celebration of cultural diversity, unity, and national pride. Renamed from Shaka Day to Heritage Day in the spirit of inclusivity, this holiday has become an integral part of the country’s social fabric, promoting understanding and respect among diverse cultural groups. By celebrating and preserving its rich heritage, South Africa can move towards a more united and harmonious society.

Embracing Diversity: The Significance of Heritage Day in South Africa’s Cultural Landscape

Introduction: A Tapestry of Diversity

South Africa, a nation known for its rich cultural mosaic, celebrates Heritage Day as a testament to the profound significance of its diverse heritage. This essay delves into the cultural landscape of South Africa and explores the profound role of Heritage Day in fostering unity, understanding, and respect among its people while preserving the nation’s intricate tapestry of traditions.

Heritage Day: A Celebration of Unity in Diversity

Heritage Day, observed annually on September 24th, encapsulates the ethos of unity in diversity that defines South Africa. It invites citizens to celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, beliefs, and traditions. The day serves as a reminder that while these elements may differ, they collectively contribute to the unique identity of the nation.

Preserving Traditions and Identity

Heritage Day stands as a cultural cornerstone, preserving and honoring the traditions that have been passed down through generations. From indigenous rituals to culinary practices, the celebration is a testament to the resilience of South Africa’s people in preserving their cultural identity even in the face of adversity.

Fostering Cultural Exchange and Understanding

At its core, Heritage Day encourages cultural exchange and understanding. It offers a platform for people from various backgrounds to engage in dialogue, learn about each other’s customs, and gain insights into the rich histories that shape the nation. This spirit of curiosity promotes tolerance, acceptance, and an appreciation for the nation’s collective history.

Acknowledging Historical Complexities

The celebration of Heritage Day is not devoid of the historical complexities that have shaped South Africa. It is a day to acknowledge the legacy of apartheid and colonialism, as well as the struggles and triumphs of the nation’s diverse communities. Heritage Day serves as a space for dialogue about the past and its impact on the present.

Celebrating the Rainbow Nation

The term “Rainbow Nation” was famously coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe South Africa’s diverse population. Heritage Day exemplifies this concept by highlighting the harmony that can arise from the coexistence of myriad cultures. The nation’s various ethnicities, languages, and traditions contribute to a vibrant social fabric that has come to define South Africa’s modern identity.

Cultural Expression and Creativity

Heritage Day provides a platform for creative expression as well. Art, music, dance, and literature become powerful tools to convey the rich narratives of different communities. Creative endeavors celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity, capturing the essence of South African heritage in various art forms.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Heritage Day

As South Africa looks to the future, the legacy of Heritage Day remains pivotal. It reinforces the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect in a nation that has overcome immense challenges. The celebration is a call to build bridges, forge relationships, and embrace the uniqueness that each cultural group brings to the table.

Conclusion: A Vibrant Nation United by Heritage

Heritage Day embodies the spirit of unity in diversity that defines South Africa. It is a day of celebration, reflection, and connection, where citizens come together to honor their shared history and individual backgrounds. Through the celebration of Heritage Day, South Africa showcases to the world the power of embracing diversity and finding strength in the collective story of its people.

Heritage Day and the Celebration of Identity: Navigating the Intersection of Past and Present

Introduction: An Exploration of Identity

Heritage Day in South Africa offers a unique lens through which the nation’s past and present converge. This essay delves into the celebration’s significance as a moment of reflection, acknowledgment, and forward-looking celebration, showcasing how South Africans navigate the intricate intersection of their historical legacy and contemporary realities.

Heritage Day: A Journey Through Time

Heritage Day, observed annually on September 24th, encapsulates the essence of a nation’s identity journey. It invites South Africans to revisit their roots, rekindle connections with their heritage, and contemplate the stories that have shaped them. As individuals and communities engage in these reflections, they contribute to a collective narrative that weaves together the past and the present.

Honoring Ancestral Traditions

At the heart of Heritage Day is the honoring of ancestral traditions. Whether it’s through rituals, storytelling, or passing down traditional knowledge, South Africans use this day to remember their ancestors and the ways in which their wisdom and customs continue to influence contemporary life . Heritage Day thus serves as a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of continuity and connection.

A Platform for Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Heritage Day also acts as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue. In a nation as diverse as South Africa , individuals from different backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about one another’s traditions, languages, and histories. This exchange of knowledge and understanding nurtures social cohesion and contributes to a sense of national unity.

Reckoning with Historical Complexities

Celebrating identity through Heritage Day requires a nuanced reckoning with the historical complexities that have shaped South Africa’s trajectory. Acknowledging the scars of apartheid, colonialism, and injustices of the past is essential for building an inclusive future. Heritage Day becomes a space for dialogue about these issues, encouraging reflection on how historical legacies continue to affect present-day experiences.

Contemporary Expression of Heritage

While Heritage Day is steeped in history, it’s also a platform for the contemporary expression of heritage. The celebration encourages South Africans to infuse their unique cultural identities with modern interpretations, demonstrating that heritage is not stagnant but a living, evolving entity. This fusion of tradition and modernity showcases the adaptability and resilience of the nation’s diverse communities.

The Power of Unity in Diversity

Heritage Day reinforces the concept of unity in diversity, a core tenet of South Africa’s national identity. By embracing their own cultural backgrounds and appreciating those of others, citizens contribute to a sense of togetherness that transcends differences. This unity is a testament to the nation’s capacity to overcome historical divisions and emerge stronger as a collective entity.

Toward a Shared Future

As South Africa navigates the intersection of past and present, Heritage Day offers a glimpse into the shared future that its people are working to create. It serves as a reminder that while history shapes identity, it need not dictate the course of the nation. By celebrating heritage and fostering a sense of unity, South Africans lay the groundwork for a future that embraces diversity while forging common goals.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Intersection of Stories

Heritage Day is a celebration that encapsulates the intersection of South Africa’s diverse stories. It is a day to honor the past, acknowledge its complexities, and shape a future that builds on the nation’s cultural riches. By navigating this intersection, South Africans take part in a transformative journey that not only enriches their individual lives but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of their collective identity.

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Heritage Day reflections

We recently celebrated Heritage Day in our beloved South Africa. This led me to reflect on the heritage we have as a country with its diverse people and eleven official languages, which are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana), Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. Language is part of our heritage and is linked to our identity. Sadly, for the Khoi and San people, South Africa’s first inhabitants do not have their languages recognised as official.

As a person of mixed race I struggled with my identity through childhood and my first few years at high school. This is a common challenge for many mixed race people in our country. During my high school years, I began to read the Bible more intensely and discovered my true identity in its pages – right from Genesis through to Revelation. In Genesis we discover Adam and Eve as the mother and father of all humankind. We also discover that we were made in God’s image. We learn in Ephesians 1:5 that “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” This discovery was life changing and brought about a freedom and acceptance of myself even though I do not know the full story of my biological heritage.

 “…and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands” Revelation 7:9. So, turn to the Bible with renewed curiosity to discover your true identity and family heritage for yourself.

Rainbow dream

Heritage Day also made me ask the question, “Is the dream of a true rainbow nation still possible?” Following the recent unrest and violence which took place in our country, particularly the murders in Phoenix, and with the narrative in the media of racism, and many conversations taking place referencing the 1949 riots, you begin to wonder if there is hope for our rainbow nation.

Last week I was privileged to be a part of a two-day Bridge Leadership Engagement with church leaders from the PINKU Region (Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, Kwa Mashu, Umhlanga/Durban North. I watched this group of ministers representing all the racial diversity in our country, connecting at a deeper level through the sharing of their stories. Watching them working together, identifying the problems in their communities and a commitment to finding solutions to build their communities and our beloved country. Part of our godly heritage is love and reconciliation which was exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. Let us be practitioners of love and reconciliation because of Christ.

God put the first rainbow in the sky as a beacon of hope for Noah. This gives me a reason to hope that the dream of a rainbow nation is still alive!

Craig Bouchier

Craig is a Heartlines' regional representative who has worked in  in different ministry roles for many years. Read more about Craig and his journey from playing soccer for AmaZulu FC, to climbing the corporate ladder and taking up his calling into ministry.

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What is Heritage Day and why its Important in South Africa

Heritage Day is an important South African public holiday which is celebrated on the 24 th of September each year. It is a day on which all South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. As the self-proclaimed ‘Rainbow Nation’, boasting a vibrant cultural diversity, eleven official languages, a rich and intricate history and a variety of traditions, Heritage Day is recognized and celebrated in many different ways in South Africa.

History of Heritage Day

Photo credit: Retlaw Snellac Photography (Flickr)

While many South Africans are aware of Heritage Day, how many know the history behind it, the true reason we celebrate this momentous holiday, and its connection to various cultures and traditions?

Heritage Day was initially known as ‘Shaka Day’ or ‘Shaka’s Day’, a day dedicated to commemorating the legendary King Shaka Zulu on the presumed date of his death in 1828. Shaka Zulu played an important role in uniting different Zulu clans into one cohesive Zulu nation in Kwa-Zulu Natal. To this day, thousands of people gather at the King Shaka Memorial on the 24 th  of September each year to pay tribute to the great Zulu King.

Photo credit: Jay Calvin (Flickr) | Shaka kaSenzangakhona (1780s -1828) Bronze Statue – ‘Long March to Freedom’ Monument

When the bill presented to the new post-Apartheid Parliament of South Africa in 1996 omitted Shaka Day from the proposed Public Holidays Bill, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, strongly objected to the bill. Eventually, a compromise was reached between the Parliament and the ANC (African National Congress), and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage – Giving rise to Heritage Day!

“When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.”

– Late former President Nelson Mandela in an address marking Heritage Day in 1996

In recent years, Heritage Day has further evolved and become synonymous with National Braai Day. Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa, while others call it a braai. Regardless of what term you use, the intention remains the same – Gathering around a fire, enjoying good food, good company and celebrating your culture and heritage with friends, family, and the ones you love.

Why is Heritage Day Important in South Africa

South Africa ranks among the 10 most culturally diverse countries in the world. A county’s relative diversity is determined based on several factors and high-level considerations, including: Level of ethnic diversity; Number of immigrants; Number of spoken languages; Number of religious beliefs; Number of political parties; Level of religious freedom; LGBT rights and freedom; and Level of personal liberty. Each of these categories are further divided into sub-categories, to ultimately determine the level of cultural diversity in any given country.

In addition to being one of the most culturally diverse countries, the population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. It is because of this intricate and vast diversity that Heritage Day is so important in South Africa and should be celebrated by all its people. National Heritage Day is dedicated to recognizing the cultural wealth of our nation in its entirety. By acknowledging, embracing, and celebrating our various cultures, traditions, and heritage against the background of our unique diversity, we build pride in ourselves, our fellow South Africans, and our nation as we remember the difficulties and hardships of the past, share in the victories of the present, and raise hope for the future.

One of the most important aspects of Heritage Day is the fact that it exposes us as South Africans to different people, cultures, traditions, beliefs, and religions we may never have been exposed to or encountered otherwise. It encourages us to step outside of our own ‘cultural bubble’, and urges us to learn, grow, explore, and experience the vibrant and diverse range of cultures that exists within our glorious rainbow nation. And, in turn, allow us to understand, appreciate, recognize, and respect each culture and everything it embodies.

At the end of the day, we are ALL South Africans, and our ability to grow and learn from each other is not only endless, but a gift. This will further allow us to grow as individuals and contribute to a more unified South Africa.

Heritage Day therefore provides a great opportunity for all South Africans to put their differences in politics, perspectives, and opinions aside, to unite and come together in a single shared purpose and objective – To celebrate South Africa’s profound history and heritage TOGETHER AS ONE NATION!

Living Heritage

Another important aspect of South Africa’s heritage that should not be forgotten is living heritage. In essence, living heritage is the foundation of all communities and an essential source of identity and continuity. The various aspects of living heritage include: Cultural tradition; rituals; oral history; popular memory; performance; indigenous knowledge systems; techniques and skills; and the holistic approach to nature, society, and social relationships. In South Africa, the term ‘living heritage’ is used interchangeably with the term ‘intangible cultural heritage’.

Why is living heritage important and what role does it play? Living heritage plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity, reconciliation, social cohesion, economic development, and peace. In every South African community, there are living human treasures who possess a high degree of knowledge, skills and history pertaining to different aspects of diverse living heritage. It is important for South Africans to reclaim, restore and preserve these various aspects of living heritage in order to promote and accelerate its use in addressing the various challenges communities are facing today.

South African Cultures

South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, a title that captures the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity. As mentioned, the population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world.

South Africa’s black population is divided into four major ethnic groups; namely Nguni (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, and Swazi), Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Venda. There are numerous subgroups within these main ethnic groups of which the Zulu and Xhosa (two subgroups of the Nguni group) are the largest.

The majority of South Africa’s white population (about 60%) is of Afrikaans descent, with many of the remaining 40% being of British or European descent. South Africa’s coloured population have a mixed lineage, which often comprises the indigenous Khoisan genes combined with African slaves that were brought here from all over the continent, and white settlers.

Languages in South Africa

South Africa has eleven official languages:

• English (9.6%)
• Afrikaans (13.5%)
• Ndebele (2.1%)
• Sepedi (9.1%)
• Xhosa (16%)
• Venda (2.4%)
• Tswana (8%)
• Southern Sotho (7.6%)
• Zulu (22.7%)
• Swazi or SiSwati (2.5%)
• Tsonga (4.5%)

In addition to its eleven official languages, many other languages from all over the world are frequently spoken in South Africa, some of which include:  Portuguese, Greek, Italian, French, Chinese etc.

Heritage Day is one of the most important National Holidays in South Africa. It is vital to both the nation as a whole and its people that it continues to be recognized, commemorated, and celebrated.

Despite the many differences that exist amongst the various South African cultures, South Africa’s strong sense of unity around longstanding traditions has always remained integral. When needed, our rainbow nation always comes together as a force to be reckoned with.

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Why Reflect on Heritage?

Oct 06, 2020 | by saranne durham.

Heritage Day is a day of reflection. A time when South African ’s look on their shared past. We celebrate the diversity and traditions that underpin our nation.

If remembering our country’s heritage is important – what about an individual’s heritage? Do our own stories matter? Do they impact our future? Or is the telling of an individual’s story a mere lamenting or celebrating of a memory and nothing more?

“Our own stories help shape our future selves.”

Psychologists, within a burgeoning field of psychology known as Narrative Psychology, say that in the same way that the many and varied tales of our country’s triumphs and travails shape the prospects we hold for its future, so our personal heritage – the story we tell of our individual past – shapes the person we become in the future.

Making Sense of Life

According to Jonathan Adler, an assistant professor of psychology at Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, “Life is incredibly complex, there are lots of things going on in our environment and in our lives at all times. And in order to hold onto our experience, we need to make meaning out of it. The way we do that is by structuring our lives into stories”. It is therefore not surprising that the default mode of human cognition and communication is a narrative, storytelling, one.

It’s important to remember that any narrative creation, historical or autobiographical, contains biases, opinions and even untruths. The reality is personal differences and emotions lead people to see the same event in different ways. What really matters is whether people are making something meaningful and coherent out of what happened. It’s not so much about the truth in the legal sense.

“The complexities of life are easier to understand through storytelling.”

Dr Dan McAdams, a psychology professor at North Western University in Illinois, has spent the past decade studying stories. He takes the view of structuring life into stories, to better understand the complexities of life, a step further. McAdams surmises that “Life stories do not simply reflect personality. They are personality, or more accurately, they are important parts of personality , along with other parts, like dispositional traits, goals, and values”.

The Impact of Your Story

“For better or worse, stories are a very powerful source of self-persuasion, and they are highly internally consistent,” says Dr John Holmes, a psychology professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Thus, the stories we tell about ourselves have a strong sway over our future.

In studies conducted by McAdams and colleagues, it was found that people whose personal stories featured a redemptive thread, where good prevails over misfortune, were found to score higher on the Generativity Scale. This tool measures the desire to promote the wellbeing of future generations and make the world a better place. They also tended to be happier people .

“How you tell your personal story could determine your life trajectory.”

Essentially, how we tell our personal stories could determine our trajectory in life. The more positive you are in how you tell your story, the more likely you are to be happy overall. Furthermore, it has also been shown that negative self-talk has an all-around health impact. It can even determine how one is able to deal with stress. Researchers reason that the health benefits of having a positive life perception could impact:

• the span of your life.
• how resistant you are to illnesses such as the common cold.
• your psychological wellbeing.
• cardiovascular health.

Bridging Gaps through Reflection

By reflecting on our own heritage and cultural background then sharing it with others with a different heritage, we create the opportunity to find common ground.

No one is an island. Our own life stories are contextualised within a community setting, communities in turn make up the building blocks of the country we live in. Because how we tell our own narrative will determine how we feel about ourselves, it will also impact the way in which we engage with our community and its heritage. Understanding your own communities’ heritage and celebrating it enables better connections moreover creating stronger unity within a community.  Whether our community thrives or battles can determine the overall bigger picture of a country.

The stories we tell ourselves, and the power those stories have, is one of the core facets of the study of psychology . If this interests you, consider studying a psychology course at SACAP. You can use it as a springboard for pursuing a career in psychology , or apply the skills you learn in any number of other career paths. For more information, enquire now .

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This conceptual paper is based on experiences and insights which have emerged from my quest to develop a conceptual framework for working with the term 'heritage' within an education for sustainable development study that I am currently conducting. Of specific interest to me, and having potential to improve the relevance and quality of heritage education in southern Africa, given the region's inherent cultural diversity and colonial history, is the need for 'heritage construct inclusivity' within the processes constituting heritage education practices. Working around this broad research goal, I therefore needed to be clear about what I mean or refer to as heritage. I realised, however, how elusive and conceptually problematic the term 'heritage' is. I therefore, drawing from literature and experiences gained during field observations and focus group interviews, came up with the idea of working with three viewpoints of heritage. Drawing on real life cases ...

Alta Engelbrecht

This article focuses on the analysis of three textbooks that are based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), a revised curriculum from the National Curriculum Statement which was implemented in 2008. The article uses one element of a historical thinking framework, the analysis of primary sources, to evaluate the textbooks. In the analysis of primary sources the three heuristics distilled by Wineburg (2001) such as sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing are used to evaluate the utilisation of the primary sources in the three textbooks. According to the findings of this article, the writing of the three textbooks is still framed in an outdated mode of textbooks' writing in a dominant narrative style, influenced by Ranke's scientific paradigm or realism. The three textbooks have many primary sources that are poorly contextualized and which inhibit the implementation of sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing heuristics. Although, some primary sources are contextualized, source-based questions are not reflecting most of the elements of sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing heuristics. Instead, they are mostly focused on the information on the source which is influenced by the authors' conventional epistemological beliefs about school history as a compendium of facts. This poor contextualization of sources impacted negatively on the analysis of primary sources by learners as part and parcel of " doing history " in the classroom.

abram mothiba

School history textbooks are seen to embody ideological messages about whose history is important, as they aim both to develop an 'ideal' citizen and teach the subject of history. Since the 1940s, when the first study was done, there have been studies of South African history textbooks that have analysed different aspects of textbooks. These studies often happen at a time of political change (for example, after South Africa became a republic in 1961 or post-apartheid) which often coincides with a time of curriculum change. This article provides an overview of all the studies of South African history textbooks since the 1940s. We compiled a data base of all studies conducted on history textbooks, including post graduate dissertations, published journal articles, books and book chapters. This article firstly provides a broad overview of all the peer-reviewed studies, noting in particular how the number of studies has increased since 2000. The second section then engages in a more detailed analysis of the studies that did content analysis of textbooks. We compare how each study has engaged with the following issues: the object of study, the methodological approach, the sample of textbooks and the theoretical or philosophical orientation. The aim is to provide a broad picture of the state of textbook analysis studies over the past 75 years, and to build up a database of these studies so as to provide an overview of the nature of history textbook research in South Africa.

Pranitha Bharath

The Southern African Journal of Environmental Education

Felisa Tibbitts

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HISTORY Gr. 10 T1 W7: The Heritage Research Assignment: Theory - the nature of heritage and debates around it

This term will now focus on The Heritage Research Assignment: Theory. This week will focus on the nature of heritage and debates around it.

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Odisha Foundation Day 2024: Utkal Divas Wishes, Significance, and 5 Delicious Odia Recipes!

O n April 1, Odisha Day, or Utkala Dibasa, is celebrated to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha. The occasion is joyously celebrated throughout the state, with individuals adorning their homes and public spaces with flags, banners and flowers in the colours of the state flag, symbolising the vibrant culture and heritage of Odisha.

Utkal Divas is not just a celebration of Odisha’s formation but also a celebration of its rich heritage and culture. From traditional Odia recipes, folk music, dances, paintings to tourist attractions, the state holds immense cultural wealth and Utkal Divas is a wonderful event to pay tribute and experience all that the state has to offer.

Utkal Divas Wishes

• Utkal Divas is celebrated to commemorate the foundation day of our state. Best wishes to all the sisters and brothers of Odisha on the occasion of the Utkal Divas.
• Wishing everyone a happy Odisha Foundation Day. Let us all strive toward a brighter and better future for Odisha.
• We dreamt. We fought. We achieved. Happy Odisha Foundation day!
• Greetings to the people of Odisha on statehood day. My best wishes to the state for a bright, prosperous, and peaceful future.
• Utkal Dibasa greetings to my brothers and sisters of Odisha.

Utkal Divas History

Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Day, is celebrated annually to mark the formation of the state of Odisha on April 1, 1936. This day marks the separation of Odisha from the combined Bihar and Orissa province during British rule in India.

Odisha Day, also known as Vishuva Milan, is observed as a restricted holiday in the state. The entire state actively participates in the celebration of its foundation day, marked by cultural programs and events held across the region. The festivities also feature seminars and exhibitions highlighting the rich heritage and traditions of the land.

Utkal Divas Significance

Odisha Day holds great significance for all Odias worldwide. It has immense cultural importance as it symbolises the state’s identity, history and rich cultural heritage. It is a day of pride for the people of Odisha, celebrating their unique traditions and customs. This day also commemorates the people’s struggle for a separate state and to foster unity among its citizens.

5 Odia Recipes One Must Try

Trying out these traditional Odia recipes can be a wonderful way to celebrate the day and experience the flavours of Odisha’s traditional cuisine.

Pakhala Bhata

Chhena Poda

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Statements by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and HHS Principals ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility

HHS raised the Transgender Pride Flag outside its headquarters today to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility.

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised the Transgender Pride Flag outside HHS headquarters for the third year in a row. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and other leaders from across the Department released the following statements ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.

Xavier Becerra – HHS Secretary “Today I am thinking about our country’s great transgender, nonbinary, and two-spirit leaders and trailblazers who epitomize resilience, progress, and joy. Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity to both celebrate their accomplishments and double down on our commitment to push the tides of progress forward.

Gender-affirming care saves lives. When trans Americans go to the doctor, they deserve the same treatment as any other patient. Stand up against discrimination, especially when it comes to transgender kids. There is no room for people being bullied for who they are. At the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we show up for the LGBTQI+ community in meaningful ways. HHS has reinforced and clarified the rights of our transgender and nonbinary employees within our own workforce and made clear that HHS is a safe an inclusive place to work.

Our decisions to speak up or not in the face of injustice sends a message. It’s on all of us to teach the next generations love, not hate.”

Andrea Palm – HHS Deputy Secretary “Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, I am proud of the Biden-Harris Administration’s unwavering commitment to the march towards full equality for the LGBTQI+ community.

Here at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we know that our work is enriched by the diversity of our staff. To all the LGBTQI+ scientists, doctors, social workers, researchers, caregivers, and colleagues across the health care and human services fields – thank you for making our communities healthier.”

Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD – Assistant Secretary for Health “Today marks Transgender Day of Visibility. Each year on March 31, we celebrate the transgender Americans, and all that they have accomplished. We honor the many contributions transgender Americans make in health, medicine, public service, and across our nation.

At the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, our mission is to improve the health and well-being of all Americans, including transgender Americans. From promoting access to high-quality care to addressing health disparities, to developing policies that improve reproductive health care to ensuring transgender youth have access to the 988 program counselors with professionals specially trained to work with them. Achieving health equity is our commitment. A commitment to all.

On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we must continue to make focused and ongoing efforts to end inequities, eliminate the impacts of injustice, and improve access to care for everyone. Today, and all days, I stand proud and visible with my fellow Transgender Americans. Happy Transgender Day of Visibility.”

Samuel R. Bagenstos – HHS General Counsel “Transgender people have every right to live openly as themselves. On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we reaffirm that transgender people are full and equal members of our community. I am proud that the Office of the General Counsel has supported HHS’s work to protect against discrimination based on gender identity, to guarantee essential health and social services for trans people, and to stand strong against efforts to roll back these basic protections.”

Alison Barkoff – Principal Deputy Administrator, Administration for Community Living “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate and lift up the voices of transgender and non-binary people in every community, including people with disabilities and older adults. At the Administration for Community Living, we are committed to advancing person-centered principles that affirm the unique identities and strengths of the people served by our programs, and to ensuring that no one is denied access to the services and supports they need to thrive in the community because of who they are.”

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure - Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides health care coverage to hundreds of millions of people, including many members of the LGBTQI+ community. Each and every person we serve deserves health equity – a fair and just opportunity for us all to attain optimal health. Transgender Day of Visibility marks the significant strides our country has made elevating the voices and experiences of trans and non-binary people. It’s also a reminder that this work remains ongoing, and CMS continues to strive towards health care coverage as a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

Robert M. Califf, M.D. – Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration “This Transgender Day of Visibility – and everyday – we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of transgender and non-binary people. During a time when the human rights of transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive people are under attack, we stand in solidarity with and support the LGBTQI+ community.”

Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH – Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mission is to protect health and improve the lives of every person, in every community, across the country. We know that fostering supportive and inclusive communities and healthcare are critical to health and wellbeing. On Transgender Day of Visibility we are reminded of the importance of having data, expertise, and investments that support the health of our diverse communities across the country.”

Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. – Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use “Today and every day we celebrate transgender and gender-expansive people and their voices. We see you, and we lift you up. We also acknowledge the crucial work still to be done. The injustice of disparities in access and discrimination within behavioral health care cannot continue to be part of the American healthcare story. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that transgender people receive the care they need, achieve well-being, and thrive.”

Melanie Fontes Rainer – Director, HHS Office for Civil Rights “Today and every day, we celebrate the strength, vibrancy, and joy of the transgender community, who embody the fundamental values of America in the face of unacceptable levels of hate and vitriol. The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reaffirms the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion for all transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary persons and states unequivocally that health care is a human right that empowers our communities – personally, professionally, socially, and economically. OCR will do everything we can to ensure that every person has equal access health and human services, free from discrimination and regardless of gender identity or expression.”

Jeff Hild – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Children and Families “Over the last year, I have met with dozens of transgender children and their caregivers and parents as well as transgender parents and acted on their recommendations to improve the Administration for Children and Families programs and services to better support the health, well-being and thriving of transgender people and communities. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we want to reaffirm our commitment to listening, standing and supporting the well-being of all transgender people and communities including unaccompanied refugee children, runaway and homeless youth, foster children and all children served by our programs.”

Carole Johnson – Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration “At the Health Resources and Services Administration, we celebrate the many contributions of transgender people in communities across the country and acknowledge the need for ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to vital health care services in the face of the disparities that continue to exist. On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we join with our colleagues across the Department in recommitting ourselves to advancing access to high-quality, culturally responsive care, treatment, and social services to support the transgender community.”

Vivek Murthy, MD – U.S. Surgeon General “As a father, I hope every child grows up feeling loved and knowing how much they matter. But today, too many transgender youth are feeling the opposite. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to these children and their families on Transgender Day of Visibility.”

Dawn O’Connell – Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response “Transgender Day of Visibility is an important moment to raise awareness and celebrate transgender people in the federal government and across the country. It’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of equity in disaster and public health responses, a core tenet of ASPR’s work on COVID-19, mpox, and countless other crises.”

Loyce Pace, MPH – Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs “The Office of Global Affairs is proud to work in support of Trans visibility and rights around the world. From the halls of the World Health Organizations in Geneva to capitals around the world, this Administration will not back down from ensuring inequities are banished so people everywhere can flourish. It all starts with being seen."

Karen L. Parker, Ph.D. – Director of Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office, The National Institutes of Health “Here at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we are acutely aware of the lived experiences of transgender people and how violence, discrimination and erasure adversely impact health outcomes within gender diverse communities. We also know that health research as a whole is often lacking inclusion of these communities and their representation is often marred by inaccurate and limited data collection. In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, NIH reaffirms its commitment to advancing the knowledge base and data collection of transgender individuals in health research, which is so vitally needed.”

Micky Tripathi, Ph.D. – National Coordinator for Health Information Technology “All people, regardless of their expressed gender identity, deserve quality health care. That’s why the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is working to support the LGBTQI+ community by standardizing the collection of data elements, such as gender identity, that are relevant to health care. Better, more accurate data will help us continue to close health disparities that currently exist.”

Roslyn Tso – Director, Indian Health Service “To commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility 2024, the Indian Health Service proudly honors and supports our transgender relatives. Native American culture has inherited from our ancestors a long history of recognizing the beauty and contribution of all members of our communities. For this we are grateful to be able to uphold these traditional principles that make our communities so strong. We proudly embrace the remarkable diversity within our patients and staff, and our commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all remains unwavering.”

Robert Otto Valdez, Ph.D., M.H.S.A. – Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality “Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity to affirm and support individuals who have too often been forced to hide their identity and been discriminated against or worse. It’s crucial to our mission at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that regardless of a person’s gender and sexuality that we support them in receiving safe, high-value, quality healthcare services. When we embrace that approach, we’re best able to respond to the health care needs of all people, and their family members, friends, and loved ones.”

Renee Wegrzyn, Ph.D. – Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health “Transgender individuals often face significant societal stigma and misconceptions. Transgender Day of Visibility helps to promote visibility, acceptance, and equality for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals while challenging stereotypes, advocating for their rights, and fostering a more inclusive society. It also encourages allies to show support and stand up against discrimination, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for transgender individuals. At the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, we are committed to ensuring everyone is seen, valued, and supported. We stand in solidarity with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals as we work to accelerate better health outcomes for all.”

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Odisha Foundation Day 2024: From rich cuisine to dance forms, all you need to know about Utkal Divas

Odisha Foundation Day 2024: Utkal Divas celebrates the establishment of Odisha on April 1, 1936, signifying its separation from Bihar and Orissa provinces during British rule.

Odisha Foundation Day 2024: On April 1, Odisha Day, also known as Utkala Dibasa, is observed to commemorate the establishment of the state of Odisha.

Utkal Divas is more than just a celebration of Odisha’s formation; it is also a tribute to its rich heritage and culture. From traditional Odia cuisine, folk music, and dances to art forms and tourist destinations, the state boasts immense cultural wealth.

Meanwhile, the capital city of Bhubaneswar is decked up on the occasion of Utkal Divas. 

The occasion is celebrated across the state, with people decorating their homes and public spaces with flags, banners, and flowers in the colours of the state flag, symbolizing the vibrant culture and heritage of Odisha.

Utkal Divas is commemorated each year to commemorate the establishment of the state of Odisha on April 1, 1936. This significant day signifies the separation of Odisha from the combined Bihar and Orissa provinces during the British colonial era in India.

Also Read: Odisha implements morning school schedule amidst IMD's forecast of hot and humid days. Check timing

Odisha Day, alternatively known as Vishuva Milan, is observed as a specified holiday within the state. These festivities also encompass seminars and exhibitions that showcase the rich heritage and traditions of the land.

Rich and diverse culinary heritage of Odisha:

Pakhala Bhata: This is a traditional dish made with fermented rice and water, served with accompaniments like fried or curried vegetables, fish, or pickles.

Dahi Baigana: It's a dish made with fried eggplant (baigana) served with a seasoned yogurt sauce (dahi), often garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

Chhena Poda: A popular sweet dish from Odisha made with cottage cheese (chhena), sugar, and cardamom, baked until it forms a caramelized crust.

Macha Ghanta: This is a traditional fish curry prepared with various vegetables and spices, giving it a unique flavour.

Dalma: A flavorful lentil dish cooked with assorted vegetables like pumpkin, brinjal (eggplant), potatoes, and plantains, often seasoned with mustard oil and tempered with spices like cumin and mustard seeds.

Also Read: Odisha eyes ₹ 10,000 crore investment in textiles

Chhencheda: It's a sweet dish made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, shaped into small cakes or laddoos.

Khira Gaintha: These are dumplings made from rice flour, stuffed with sweetened coconut or jaggery, and cooked in sweetened milk.

Badi Chura: Crumbled fried lentil dumplings (badi) mixed with chopped onions, green chilies, and mustard oil, served as a side dish or snack.

Chingudi Jhola: A prawn curry cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices, often served with steamed rice.

Rasabali: Another delightful sweet dish made with deep-fried paneer patties soaked in thickened, sweetened milk flavored with cardamom and saffron.

Some of the prominent dances of Odisha include:

Odissi: One of the classical dance forms of India, Odissi originated in the temples of Odisha. It is characterized by its movements, footwork, expressive gestures (mudras), and  costumes. Odissi typically depicts stories from Hindu mythology, particularly those of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Gotipua: Gotipua is a traditional dance form that originated in Odisha. Young boys dressed as female characters perform rhythmic movements and acrobatics to narrate mythological stories. It shares similarities with Odissi but is distinct in its own right.

Chhau: Chhau is a martial dance form that is popular in Odisha, as well as in the neighbouring states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. It incorporates elements of martial arts, acrobatics, and traditional dance movements. Chhau is often performed during religious festivals and depicts scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Also Read: Odisha-based university empowers entrepreneurs with ‘in-house’ industrial approach

Sambalpuri Folk Dance: Sambalpuri folk dances encompass a variety of traditional dance forms from the western region of Odisha, particularly the Sambalpur district. These dances are characterized by vibrant costumes, rhythmic footwork, and lively music. Examples include the Dalkhai dance, Rasarkeli, and Karma Naach.

Ghumura Dance: Ghumura is a traditional dance form native to the Kalahandi district of Odisha. It involves dancers holding small drums called Ghumuras and performing synchronized movements to the beat of the drums. Ghumura dance is often performed during festivals and special occasions.

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