Heritage Day recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of South Africans and was deemed important enough to be declared a public holiday by the lawmakers.
The day has its roots in KwaZulu Natal and was formerly known as Shaka Day in commemoration of the legendary King Shaka Zulu.
When the proposed Public Holidays Bill at the dawn of democracy omitted Shaka Day, the Inkatha Freedom Party objected. A compromise was subsequently reached when it was decided to create a day where all South Africans could observe and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.
However, commercialisation and promotion of 24 September as National Braai Day is cheapening this historic and memorable date.
Braaing is one of the country’s favourite pastimes, but so is sport, music, singing, dancing and many others.
If this ongoing lack of respect for public holidays is allowed, future generations could end up having National Sport Day or National Song and Dance Day.
Being a multi-cultural society means South Africans have a lot to celebrate and be grateful for on Heritage Day. By all means, get some friends together and have fun around a braai.
However, recognise 24 September as Heritage Day and not National Braai Day.
Go to Orlando Stadium for the MTN8 second-leg tie between blood rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Sports is, after all, an important part of South African heritage too.
But in terms of the Public Holidays Bill, 24 September is Heritage Day: a day for all members of the Rainbow Nation to be proud their roots – not their pastimes.
