Heritage Day is an annual event celebrated in South Africa with great enthusiasm. The South African public holiday is celebrated on September 24 annually. On this day, South Africans celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. When Heritage Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. As per historical records, in KwaZulu-Natal, September 24 was known as Shaka Day for most people, in commemoration of Shaka, the Zulu king of southern Africa. This date was presumed to be the date of Shaka’s death in 1828. Scroll down to learn more about the annual event in South Africa. World Heritage Day 2024 Date, Theme, History and Significance: Know About the International Day for Monuments and Sites.
Heritage Day 2024 Date in South Africa
Heritage Day 2024 will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 24.
Heritage Day History
Shaka was a key figure in uniting the disparate Nguni clans into a cohesive Zulu nation. Each year, people gather at the Shaka Memorial to honour him on this day. As per historical records, the Public Holidays Bill presented to the post-Apartheid Parliament of South Africa in 1996 did not include this day on the list of proposed public holidays. The Parliament and the ANC later reached a compromise and the day was named as Heritage Day and accepted as a public holiday.
Heritage Day Significance
South Africa is home to numerous ethnic groups and traditions, including Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Indian, Afrikaans, and many others. This day serves as an excellent opportunity for people to express and celebrate their distinct cultural backgrounds. South Africans celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa.
On this day, various events are held throughout the country to commemorate this day. As South Africa continues to evolve, Heritage Day plays a key role in helping people reflect on the past and acknowledge their collective history.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2024 01:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).