Braai4Heritage calls on all in South Africa to actively celebrate their common heritage by braaing on Heritage Day this year.

This follows an understanding reached between the National Heritage Council and Braai4Heritage (previously known as National Braai Day). Braai4Heritage and the National Heritage Council aim to make South Africans aware of one of this country’s unique cultural heritage gems… After all, braaing is a deep-rooted tradition in South Africa that cuts across all demographic groups.
Braai4Heritage wants to celebrate this truly South African social union by rallying all to braai on the same day and have conversations with friends, colleagues, neighbours, children about our diverse heritage that makes us a truly unified South African nation.

The national theme of celebrating Heritage Day “Celebrating Our Dance, Our Heritage” will be part of what we will share around the braai fires on 24 September nationally.

Jan Scannell, Head of Braai4Heritage, says the initiative has the potential to become a contemporary means of celebrating South African-ness, especially considering that braaing is a positive feature in most South Africans’ lives “being the fun-loving, social and hospitable nation we are”.

Cooking food on an open fire is an international phenomenon, but to braai is a truly unique South African past time - it is an activity shared by all South Africans and one that penetrates racial, cultural, religious and social boundaries,” says Scannell.

Sonwabile Mancotywa, CEO of the National Heritage Council, agrees that there is currently a need for a cross-cutting approach to heritage, coming from various cultures but which helps to build and highlight social cohesion. Braai, as one such cross-cutting cultural heritage, is a century-old practice. It’s about more than just braaing – there is an emotional side to it: it’s about a gathering of people in an emotionally fulfilling and enjoyable way.

He however cautions that the braai is not a substitute to appreciating the diverse cultures of SouthAfricans and sharing them so that we can understand each other better. “We encourage initiatives of this nature to be supported by corporates as a contribution to preserving memories of a great nation from today’s generation to the future,” he adds.

Scannell says celebrating our heritage is important to preserve our national identity, particularly among our youth – especially in the wake of globalisation and the growing influence of outside media. “Countries with strong social cohesion become strong nations. This is why it is important to celebrate our common national heritage.“

For more information visit: www.braai4heritage.co.za

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