The power of heritage in South Africa

Heritage Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the rich and varied traditions, languages and customs that define the people who live in South Africa.

Reflecting on traditions, whether big or small, can help us know our own stories better, and by being curious about other people’s traditions, we can learn about the beauty of our diversity.

Our sense of belonging and identity is deeply informed by the world we grew up in and the traditions that were part of our lives.

While heritage is expressed in outward things like our languages, clothing or adornments, songs and dances passed down through generations, or the food that brings us together, it is also so much more than that.

Heritage is woven into our daily lives and ways of being. Our sense of belonging and identity is often informed by the world we grew up in and the traditions that were part of our lives.

So by understanding one another’s ways of being in the world and the things that we value, we can connect more deeply.

Getting to know someone’s story can feel intimidating and awkward – where do we start, what do we ask? We believe that there’s a simple way to help us share in each other’s stories. It’s a framework called Ask. Listen. Tell. Find out more about Ask. Listen. Tell:

• For churches
• For workplaces
• For schools

Ideas for Heritage Day

• Get some friends and family together to watch Beyond the River (currently
  available on Showmax) – a story about two men with very different
  heritages who team up to take on one of South Africa’s greatest sporting
  challenges.
• Play a trivia game where each person at your braai or event writes down something about themselves on a page, pages are thrown in a hat and randomly read out loud. Everyone has to guess to whom the statement belongs.
• What Gen are you? Get an elder and a younger member from your group or family to interview each other, asking the question: What does heritage mean to you?
• Do a food exchange bring and share, sharing various traditional meals, and playing styles of music from different traditions and cultural groups.

Heritage Day, then, is not just a day to celebrate where we come from, but a day to build bridges toward where we want to go. It's a reminder that while our histories may be complex, our shared future can be one of understanding, respect and unity. Through curiosity, open-mindedness, and the willingness to engage with others, we can honour the heritage that shapes us all and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate South Africa.