South Africa Archives

South Africa is a nation rich in diversity, comprising nine distinct provinces, each with its unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and economic significance.

Limpopo, the northernmost province, shares borders with Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Named after the Limpopo River, it boasts an abundance of wildlife and cultural treasures. The capital is Polokwane, and the province has a population of approximately 5.9 million.

Moving westward, North West province is bordered by Botswana and features attractions such as Sun City and Pilanesberg National Park. Mahikeng serves as its capital, and it has a population of around 4.2 million residents.

Gauteng is the smallest province but holds the largest share of South Africa’s population. It is the country’s economic powerhouse, with Johannesburg as its capital and a population exceeding 16 million. Key sectors include financial services, logistics, and manufacturing.

Mpumalanga, meaning “Place where the sun rises,” is renowned for its stunning landscapes and wildlife, making it a major tourist destination. Its capital is Mbombela, with a population of about 4.7 million.

The Northern Cape is the largest province by area but has the smallest population share. Known for its San rock art and diamond mining, Kimberley is its capital, housing around 1.3 million people.

The Free State lies in the heart of South Africa, characterised by vast farmlands and blue skies. Bloemfontein is the capital here, with a population of approximately 2.9 million.

KwaZulu-Natal is famous for its lush subtropical coast and vibrant cultural scene. With Pietermaritzburg as its capital, it has a population of about 11.5 million.

The Western Cape, located at Africa’s south-western tip, is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and cultural diversity. Cape Town serves as its capital and has around 7.2 million residents.

Lastly, the Eastern Cape features rugged coastlines and diverse flora. Bhisho is the capital here, with a population of approximately 6.7 million.
Together, these provinces contribute to South Africa’s rich tapestry of culture and economy, making it a fascinating destination for both locals and visitors alike.

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Heritage Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Heritage Day (Afrikaans: Erfenisdag) is a South African public holiday celebrated on 24 September. On this day, South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.

History of Heritage Day before 1995

In KwaZulu-Natal, 24 September was known as Shaka Day, in commemoration of the Zulu King, Shaka. Shaka was the legendary Zulu King who played an important role in uniting disparate Zulu clans into a cohesive nation. Each year people gather at King Shaka’s grave to honor him on this day.

The Public Holidays Bill presented to the Parliament of South Africa at the time did not have 24 September included on the list of proposed public holidays. As a result of this exclusion, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected to the bill. Parliament and the IFP reached a compromise and the day was given its present title and seen as a public holiday.

“ …when South Africans celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that makes up a “rainbow nation”. It is the day to celebrate the contribution of all South Africans to the building of South Africa(sic) ” ~ Lowry 21:1995

Celebration of Heritage Day

South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.

Former Western Cape Provincial Premier Ebrahim Rasool addressed the public at a Heritage Day celebration at the Gugulethu Heritage trail in 2007 in Gugulethu.

In Hout Bay, there is an army procession and a recreation of the battle fought there.

In 2005, a media campaign sought to “re-brand” the holiday as National Braai Day, in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues, or braais.

On 5 September 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his appointment as patron of South Africa’s Braai (Barbecue) Day, affirming it to be a unifying force in a divided country (by donning an apron and tucking into a boerewors sausage). At the end of 2007 National Braai Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage and the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa’s National Heritage Council (NHC).