South Africans celebrate Heritage Day

People from all cultures celebrated Heritage Day in different ways amid a spat that the National Braai Day was trying to hijack the day's importance and relevance to South Africa. Image: Umzimkulu

Arriving at the stadium, situated in the mining small town of Orkney, singing both traditional and liberation struggle songs, South Africans were dressed in their Setswana, Boere khakhi, Indian sari, Sesotho, Seshoeshoe, Xibelani of Vatsonga traditional regalia.

South Africa celebrated Heritage Day that marks 20 years of democracy amid a spat that the concept of Heritage Day was being hijacked as the National Braai Day when people are encouraged to celebrate the day by inviting friends over for a braai.

Under the theme of "Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy: Tell your story that moves South Africa Forward!" the government wants Heritage Day to encourage South Africans to tell their stories as part of celebrating democracy. It is a day when South Africans could think outside politics and identify themselves as part of the rainbow nation.

Later during the day, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the importance of South Africans working together to foster nation building and social cohesion.

During Heritage Month South Africans are encouraged to celebrate and embrace the country's historical inheritance, languages, spirituality and sacred sites, diverse cultures, indigenous food and traditional art forms.

Ramaphosa said that while much has been accomplished since 1994, more work remains to be done especially building an inclusive and equal society.