What makes South Africa special? Local celebrities share what they love this Heritage Day

South Africa’s cultures, languages, landscapes, food and people are taking centre stage this Heritage Day as local celebrities reflect on what makes the country special to them.

Radio and television personality Carol Ofori, actor Wiseman Mncube, Jacaranda FM presenter Martin Bester and media personality Kriya Gangiah have shared what they value most about calling South Africa home.

From cultural diversity and shared traditions to natural beauty and the way South Africans unite through sport, each has a different reason to celebrate the country this Heritage Day.

Carol Ofori celebrates South Africa’s cultures and food

For Carol Ofori, Heritage Day serves as a reminder of South Africa’s ability to celebrate many cultures while embracing a shared identity.

She believes the country’s diversity is reflected in its people, its 12 official languages, including Sign Language, and its food.

“South Africa is so dynamic. It’s a real flex to live in a country that celebrates so many cultures,” says Ofori.

From braais and pap to milk tart, vetkoek and amagwinya, she believes South Africa’s colourful cuisine tells the story of its mixed heritage.

Wiseman Mncube finds peace in South Africa’s natural beauty

Actor and Tropika Island of Treasure contestant Wiseman Mncube celebrates another part of South Africa’s heritage: its natural environment.

For Mncube, waterfalls hold a special place.

“Anywhere with a waterfall is my happy place,” he says.

Spending time in nature gives him an opportunity to pause, pray, meditate and enjoy moments of calm.

South Africa’s mountains, forests and open spaces also provide places where he can find peace and reconnect.

Martin Bester celebrates the way South Africans unite

For Jacaranda FM presenter Martin Bester, one of South Africa’s defining qualities is the way its people come together, particularly through sport.

“When our team plays, suddenly we’re more the same than different,” he says.

Beyond sport, Bester believes South Africans are defined by their willingness to help one another, describing the country as friendly, caring and community-minded.

Kriya Gangiah celebrates South Africa’s diversity

Media personality and sports presenter Kriya Gangiah also points to South Africa’s diversity as one of the things she values most.

“I love how different cultures, traditions, languages and cuisines come together to make South Africa what it is,” she says.

Having travelled widely, Gangiah says the warmth and welcoming nature of South Africans always makes the country feel like home.

Celebrating what makes South Africa home

Heritage Day provides an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate the cultures, traditions and experiences that have shaped the country.

For Ofori, Mncube, Bester and Gangiah, what makes South Africa special ranges from its food and cultural diversity to its natural beauty, sporting spirit and people.

Their reflections show that heritage is about where we come from, as well as the people, places and traditions that continue to shape who we are.

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