Celebrate Heritage Day With a Braai and Top Events

Heritage Day is right around the corner, and if you still don’t have any plans, don’t stress! There’s plenty to do, whether you decide to braai at home with friends and family or hit the road for a camping adventure to take advantage of the public holiday.

We’ve put together a list of braai spots and events to get you inspired for Heritage Day 2024. Read on to start planning your long weekend.

Photo: Getty

What is Heritage Day?

Heritage Day in South Africa, celebrated annually on 24th September, is a public holiday that recognises and honours the nation’s rich cultural diversity. Its origins can be traced back to what was once known as Shaka Day, named in honour of King Shaka Zulu, one of the most influential figures in South African history. King Shaka played a pivotal role in uniting the Zulu nation in the early 19th century, and his leadership is remembered for shaping a powerful and cohesive Zulu kingdom.

Historically, Shaka Day was observed mainly in the KwaZulu-Natal region, where people gathered to commemorate his legacy with traditional ceremonies and celebrations. When South Africa transitioned to democracy in 1994, there was initially no provision for Shaka Day in the new public holiday schedule. This led to negotiations, particularly with Zulu groups, who felt strongly about preserving the day. To strike a balance and foster national unity, the day was broadened to become Heritage Day, allowing all South Africans to celebrate their diverse cultural heritage, while still recognising the significance of Shaka’s contribution to the nation’s history.

Today, Heritage Day is a time for South Africans to reflect on their collective past, while celebrating the different customs, languages, and traditions that form the country’s unique identity. Thanks to some excellent marketing, it’s also informally known as Braai Day, and indeed many South Africans use the day to gather and enjoy one of the most universal activities in the country! With that in mind, let’s check out some of the best braai spots in South Africa.

Women sitting by a braai in the Western Cape.

Photo: Getty

Braai Spots Across South Africa

If you’re looking for a place to take the family for a lekker braai this Heritage Day, we’ve got you covered. Check out our dedicated braai spot articles for some inspiration:

Alternatively, you can embark on a full-on camping road trip and get a fire going at our favourite South African campsites:

A family walks through a nature reserve.

Photo: Getty

Top Heritage Day Events in 2024

CapeNature Access Week 2024 – Western Cape

This year marks CapeNature’s 10th annual Access Week, when visitors can enter CapeNature reserves with no entry fee to enjoy the great outdoors. CapeNature is the official government entity responsible for maintaining over 100 nature reserves throughout the Western Cape, so you can expect to visit some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the province. Some notable examples include:

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (Cape Winelands)
De Hoop Nature Reserve (Overberg)
Kogelberg Biosphere Nature Reserve (Overberg)
Cederberg Wilderness Area (West Coast)
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve (Garden Route)
Swartberg Nature Reserve (Cape Karoo)

Access Week 2024 lasts from 21 to 27 September, so make sure you take full advantage of this awesome opportunity!

Heritage Day Celebration – Johannesburg & Durban

Want to spend your Heritage Day weekend celebrating our traditions, roots, and cultures? Residents of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal can attend the Heritage Day Celebrations taking place at the Lido Hotel in Vereeniging and Berea Rovers in Durban on 21 September to enjoy live music, arts and culture, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Attendees are encouraged to wear white with a touch of African influence. You’re also welcome to bring along coolerboxes and camping chairs to enjoy a picnic in the sun!

All White Heritage Picnic 2024 – Gqeberha

For a more high-class Heritage Day celebration, head down to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on 22 September for the All White Heritage Picnic 2024 hosted by Ebubeleni Festival & Sandla Black. The event will take place at Victoria Park, featuring live performances from DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Semito, Amanda Black, Kelly Khumalo, Simmy, Zuko SA, and more of South Africa’s favourite artists.

Popular entertainers Somizi and Mafa will host festivities, and plenty of food and drink will be on sale. Naturally, you’re encouraged to wear all white!

Heritage Day Spit Braai – Hermanus

Take a road trip to Hermanus this weekend to enjoy an unforgettable spit braai experience at Benguela Cove, featuring traditional South African cuisine, live entertainment, and plenty of drinks. This family-friendly event is the perfect excuse to head into the Overberg for the weekend, so why not turn it into a full-on camping experience? Plus, you can visit any of the nearby CapeNature reserves and enjoy free access.

Robertson Lenteskou – Robertson

The 125th anniversary Robertson Lenteskou (Spring Show) will take place on 24 September at the Robertson Show Grounds in Robertson, Western Cape. The huge annual celebration is set to feature agricultural exhibitions, food and craft stalls, children’s entertainment, special dinners, live music, and some of South Africa’s best wines.

There’s also a fun fair with all your favourite rides, plus South Africa’s second-largest open-air horse show and a makeup masterclass with Willem Botha.

Zeitz MOCAA Silo Centenary Celebrations – Cape Town

This year, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is celebrating “100 Years of Heritage and 7 Years of Art & Architecture”, marking a century since its famous Grain Silo was built and seven years since construction of the museum began. Festivities will include a concert, free access, cultural performances, an outdoor foodshop, and the unveiling of a new architecture exhibition.

Visitors can also take part in art workshops and multilingual tours. Plus, you’ll get to explore everything else the V&A Waterfront has to offer.

Photo: Getty

There’s plenty of reason to celebrate Heritage Day, and if you’re looking for somewhere to braai or something to do, you’re spoilt for choice! Happy Heritage Day, South Africa – go out and remind yourself how privileged we are to live in such a diverse, multicultural country! And, if you need a way to get around for the weekend, check out our wide selection of vehicles available for hire across the country.