National day
On 24 September, South Africans celebrate the many cultures, languages and traditions of their country, often by wearing traditional dress, attending cultural events and gathering around a braai.
24 September every year
Across South Africa, at home, at heritage sites and at community events.
Wear clothing from your culture, share traditional food or a braai, and join music, dance and storytelling.
Happy Heritage Day!: or Usuku Lwamagugu, the isiXhosa name for the day
Heritage Day is a South African public holiday on 24 September. In KwaZulu-Natal the date was long known as Shaka Day, in memory of the Zulu king Shaka, who united many Nguni clans into the Zulu nation. When the list of public holidays was drawn up after the end of apartheid in 1994, 24 September was at first left out. After objections, a compromise was reached and the day became a public holiday with a new name and a broader purpose: to celebrate the cultural heritage of all South Africans, in a nation that belongs to all its people. People still gather at the Shaka Memorial in KwaZulu-Natal on this day.
South Africa has twelve official languages and many cultural communities, and Heritage Day is a chance to celebrate them all. Many people wear traditional or cultural clothing, such as Zulu beadwork, Xhosa patterned dresses and headwraps, Basotho blankets or other attire from their family’s heritage, while others wear the colours of the national flag. Communities hold cultural events with music, dance and storytelling, and many people visit heritage sites. Food is central: many families and friends gather for a braai, grilling meat over a fire, and since 2005 a popular campaign has nicknamed the day “National Braai Day”, although its official name remains Heritage Day. Others cook dishes such as pap and chakalaka, bobotie, samp and beans or koeksisters. September as a whole is known as Heritage Month. When 24 September falls on a Sunday, the Monday is a public holiday. Celebrations vary between families and communities.
Celebrate Heritage Day at home:
Coming soon to the App Store.
Heritage Day is a public holiday, so expect busy parks, beaches and braai spots. Cultural events are a lovely way to learn; ask before photographing people in traditional dress.
The date was known as Shaka Day in KwaZulu-Natal. In the 1990s it became Heritage Day, celebrating all South Africa’s cultures.
“National Braai Day” is a popular nickname from a 2005 campaign. The official name is Heritage Day.
Many wear traditional or cultural clothing from their own heritage, or the colours of the national flag.
