South Africa is all about braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and…well, perhaps not so much Chevrolet in this day of the cheap eastern import. But these words never ring truer than on 24 September when we celebrate Heritage Day.
So what exactly does Heritage Day mean? For one thing it’s an opportunity to braai with family and friends. But it has a much greater significance, which a surprising number of people aren’t aware of.
In a speech made on Heritage Day in 1996, former President Nelson Mandela noted that when the government had decided to make Heritage Day a national holiday it was with the knowledge that South Africa’s rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build the nation.
The government’s theme for 2013 is ‘Reclaiming, Restoring and Celebrating Our Living Heritage’, which is a call to recognise the importance of the tangible heritage, museums, commemorative sites and interpretation centres in building an inclusive society.
In short, Heritage Day is a day of reflection on who we are, where we come from and where we are heading to as people.
It may be a good opportunity for you to take stock of your business and examine it along similar lines.
Remember, you are operating in a country of diversity, and because of this it’s essential to be accommodating and respect other people’s heritage, whether in your personal or professional life.
How will you be celebrating heritage day? Tell us in the comments section below…