Lindsey Moyo

The power of heritage in South Africa

WYS , Community , Identity

South Africa has a complex past in many ways. Because of this, a day like Heritage Day can be met with mixed emotions.

But what if we were open to exploring the aspects of our own heritage, as well as the heritage of those around us, to understand ourselves and each other better?

I am an image

Heritage Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the rich and varied traditions, languages and customs that define the people who live in South Africa.

Reflecting on traditions, whether big or small, can help us know our own stories better, and by being curious about other people’s traditions, we can learn about the beauty of our diversity.

Our sense of belonging and identity is deeply informed by the world we grew up in and the traditions that were part of our lives.

While heritage is expressed in outward things like our languages, clothing or adornments, songs and dances passed down through generations, or the food that brings us together, it is also so much more than that.

Heritage is woven into our daily lives and ways of being. Our sense of belonging and identity is often informed by the world we grew up in and the traditions that were part of our lives.

So by understanding one another’s ways of being in the world and the things that we value, we can connect more deeply.

Getting to know someone’s story can feel intimidating and awkward – where do we start, what do we ask? We believe that there’s a simple way to help us share in each other’s stories. It’s a framework called Ask. Listen. Tell. Find out more about Ask. Listen. Tell:

Ideas for Heritage Day

  • Get some friends and family together to watch Beyond the River (currently
    available on Showmax) – a story about two men with very different
    heritages who team up to take on one of South Africa’s greatest sporting
    challenges.
  • Play a trivia game where each person at your braai or event writes down something about themselves on a page, pages are thrown in a hat and randomly read out loud. Everyone has to guess to whom the statement belongs.
  • What Gen are you? Get an elder and a younger member from your group or family to interview each other, asking the question: What does heritage mean to you?
  • Do a food exchange bring and share, sharing various traditional meals, and playing styles of music from different traditions and cultural groups.

Heritage Day, then, is not just a day to celebrate where we come from, but a day to build bridges toward where we want to go. It's a reminder that while our histories may be complex, our shared future can be one of understanding, respect and unity. Through curiosity, open-mindedness, and the willingness to engage with others, we can honour the heritage that shapes us all and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate South Africa.

I am an image
Lindsey Moyo

Lindsey has a background in journalism, online content production and publishing. She is passionate about helping people use words to communicate their stories and perspectives.

Featured

Adobe Stock 331903367

Parenting, protecting and sensitising children during COVID-19

Read more about Parenting, protecting and sensitising children during COVID-19

You may also like

Dr J TRT Talk Feature Image

How storytelling can heal

At his talk at the 2024 Templeton Annual Meeting Heartlines CEO Dr Garth Japhet shares from his personal experience of what a difference knowing someone's story can make on how we interpret their actions and choices.

Read more about How storytelling can heal
ACM Symposium Group Picture
Lindsey Moyo

Courageously building together

The Association of Christian Media’s 2024 Leadership Symposium was an opportunity for leaders of media organisations across the country to dream about how they can work together to achieve the association's vision.

Read more about Courageously building together
Elections and peace

Promoting peace during the national elections

The South African Council of Churches has called on all South Africans to seek peace ahead of the national elections in May and not to let messages of violence and hatred divide us.

Read more about Promoting peace during the national elections
Watercolour Girl

Re-finding fellowship in a COVID-19 world

This year, COVID-19 has forced the church to find new ways to fellowship and create connections in a sometimes isolated, fearful environment. So how have church leaders and communities been staying connected, and how are they reconnecting? Read more about Re-finding fellowship in a COVID-19 world
Church

Together while apart – doing church during a pandemic

One of the most powerful ways to connect and share our lives, even while physically distant, is through stories. Read more about Together while apart – doing church during a pandemic