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About Heritage Day (South Africa)

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About Heritage Day (South Africa)

Heritage Day, on 24 September, is a public holiday in South Africa that celebrates the many cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions of its people.

People wear traditional dress and beadwork, cook family recipes, hold cultural festivals, visit heritage sites and share the stories, songs and dances of their families.

Many South Africans also call it National Braai Day and gather around a fire to grill meat, boerewors and vegetables with family and friends, a custom shared across cultures.

  • 24 September
  • Public holiday since 1995
  • Also called Braai Day

Where it began

In KwaZulu-Natal, 24 September was long kept as Shaka Day, in memory of the Zulu king Shaka. When the new holiday list was drawn up after 1994, it was agreed to keep the date as a day for the heritage of all South Africans.

The idea is simple: South Africa has many languages, faiths and traditions, and each one is part of the whole country.

People in traditional dress at a Heritage Day gatheringEastern Cape, South Africa

How it grew over time

  1. Early 20th century

    Shaka Day was kept by Zulu communities.

  2. 1995

    Heritage Day was made a national public holiday.

  3. 2000s

    The braai, a shared outdoor grill, became a popular way to mark the day.

  4. Today

    Schools, towns and families celebrate in their own ways.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • KwaZulu-Natal

    Many people still honour King Shaka with gatherings and traditional dress.

  • Cities

    Festivals bring music, dance and food from many cultures.

  • Schools

    Children come dressed in the clothes of their culture and share stories.

Heritage Day (South Africa) moments

A Heritage Day processionEastern Cape, South Africa
Heritage Day celebrations in a village fieldEastern Cape, South Africa
Boerewors on the braaiSouth Africa
Lighting the braai fireWestern Cape, South Africa

Heritage Day (South Africa) today

People wear beadwork, shweshwe cloth and other traditional clothes. Friends and families light fires for a braai and enjoy boerewors, pap and salads.

Museums and heritage sites often welcome visitors for free or with special events.

How people celebrate Heritage Day (South Africa)

  • Traditional dress and beadwork
  • Family braai
  • Cultural festivals and dances
  • Visiting heritage sites
  • Sharing family recipes and stories
  • Music in many languages

How to wish well

  • "Happy Heritage Day" is the usual greeting.
  • Celebrate all cultures in your message; the day is about unity in diversity.
  • Mentioning braai, heritage dress or family stories makes the message feel local.

Questions about Heritage Day (South Africa)

When is Heritage Day in South Africa?

On 24 September every year. When it falls on a Sunday, the Monday is a holiday.

Why is Heritage Day celebrated?

To honour the diverse cultures and traditions of all South Africans.

Why is Heritage Day called Braai Day?

Because so many families gather for a braai, a barbecue, which is shared by people of every culture in South Africa.

What do people wear on Heritage Day?

Many wear traditional clothing, beadwork or colours that reflect their culture.

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