Heritage Day, celebrated on September 24, is a significant public holiday that honours South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Emerging from the post-1994 vision of the Rainbow Nation, this day was established to foster unity in diversity, reflecting the country’s journey towards reconciliation and nation-building.
Whether through traditional attire, communal braais, or cultural events, this day encourages South Africans to embrace their collective heritage and recognise the contributions of all communities to the nation’s vibrant tapestry. As it coincides with the arrival of spring, Heritage Day is not only a time for reflection but also a celebration of renewal and hope.
This year Heritage Day falls on a Tuesday but there are plenty of events happening throughout September to add to the calendar, hence Heritage Month. Here's a look at the highlights.
Authentic experiences
Tue, Sep 24 – Enjoy a meal with meaning at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers with a three-course feast crafted from surplus food that would've gone to waste. You'll have a chance to explore Soweto with guided tours and join a drum circle around the bonfire for a night to remember.
Tue, Sep 24 – Take advantage of free entrance to Constitution Hill on Heritage Day; book online via web tickets here.
Tue, Sep 24 – Enjoy free entrance to the Apartheid Museum this Heritage Day and catch Dutch photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien's solo exhibition Born Free: Generation of Hope, a visual narrative of the past three decades in South Africa, since the dawn of our democracy in 1994.
Fri, Sep 27 – Celebrate African heritage through authentic dishes and storytelling at Back to Our Roots at Curiocity Joburg. Come for the food, stay for the stories.
Sat, Sep 28 – Take part in a sensory celebration of home, memory, and culture with an immersive morning of art, panel discussions, and delicious cuisine at Origin Art’s Nostalgia and Place heritage exhibition experience.
On stage
Fri, Sep 20 – Sun, Sep 22 – Take in South Africa’s rich jazz legacy at the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra's Symphonic Jazz Festival 2024 at Linder Auditorium.Tue, Sep 24 – Celebrate South Africa’s vibrant heritage with musical theatre, soundscapes, and artistic expressions that bring stories to life at Stories of the Soil: Kwasukasukela at Wits Origins Centre.
Tue, Sep 24 – Journey back to a time of legends with Warren Bessey's iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho with Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra at Linder Auditorium.
Wed, Sep 25 and Fri, Sep 27 – The Muffinz celebrate 12 years of hits and heritage at UJ where you can join UJ alumni for a documentary premiere and a One Night Only live performance at the UJ Art Centre.
Festivals and markets
Tue, Sep 24 – Dancing, delicious South African dishes, candle dipping for the kids, and a puppet show at the Heritage Day edition of the Bryanston Market.Tue, Sep 24 – Get ready for a lekker Heritage Day with tasty treats, craft stalls, and live tunes at HeartSpace’s Heritage Day Market at the Edenvale German Club. Plus, it's pet-friendly.
Tue, Sep 24 – There'll be hip-hop beats, good food, and sunshine at The Hip Hop Floor Cookout at The Playground in Braamfontein.
Hit the road
Tue, Sep 24 – Ride through Joburg’s streets with Banditz Bicycle Club from 44 Stanley and ending with a thought-provoking art walk-about with artist Masonwabe Ntloko at Origin Art Gallery.
Tue, Sep 24 – Run or walk 10km through Joburg’s landmarks with live music in celebration of Heritage Day at the Absa Run Your City Series, starting at Mary Fitzgerald Square.
Sat, Sep 28 – Grab your helmet and join Girls On Bikes for sunshine-filled rides, starting at Cycle Boutique at 44 Stanley.
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