The smell of sizzling boerewors is set to fill the air as families gather in their backyards, parks, and open fields across SA to celebrate Heritage Day on Wednesday September 24.
It is the one day of the year on the SA calendar set aside for every citizen to celebrate who they are, where they come from, and the many cultures that make the nation unique.
Schools encourage pupils to dress up in an outfit that bests represents their heritage, making it a colourful affair given SA’s vast and diverse population.
Restaurants and establishments have also come to the party with various activities on the day for all ages — especially exciting as it is a public holiday.
There will be a free show hosted by The Yard in Walmer with the dynamic team of Kids Rock, a local band that have already established themselves in the Gqeberha market with their exciting live music shows.
For Heritage Day, the team will bring an amazing vibe and family-based entertainment for free on the day, from midday to 2pm.
Having performed to audiences at more than 11 schools in and around Nelson Mandela Bay in 2025 alone, the members of Kids Rock, headed by well-known performer Tara-Jane Stern, are thrilled to be collaborating with the students of DDrums Drumming Academy, who will be showcasing their talents on the day.
With the show’s ethos of nurturing new and young talent, as well as ensuring they do not lose a generation to the art of live performance and playing musical instruments, this is the perfect opportunity to have some serious family fun this public holiday.
In addition to great entertainment, there will be fun giveaways, as well as delicious refreshments and food on sale from a variety of outlets including Quitschy’s Pizza & Restaurant, Taste of Beirut, Sushi Braz, Raasoie, Crave Burger, Munros Coffee and more — adding a little Indian, Lebanese and oriental flavours to the day.
Registration is vital via WhatsApp on 083-415-8028 or emailing kidsrocktheshow@gmail.com.
Another SA favourite to celebrate the day is a potjie, and we all know how competitive men become around the fire in a bid to prove their pot is the best.
That is why Aurora Special Care Centre will be hosting a potjie competition — and it is for a good cause.
The festivities kick off at 7am until 3pm at African Sky’s in Theescombe.
The entry fee for non-corporate teams is R300, while corporates pay R500.
Participants are also encouraged to enhance their set-up with some traditional African décor.
The rules are simple: a maximum four people per pot, judging at 1pm, and plenty of gees to be brought on the day.
There will also be a cash bar and refreshments on sale, lucky draw prizes, an auction, raffles, and plenty of stalls and kids’ entertainment.
Local favourite The Simon Shaw Band featuring James van der Merwe will provide the background tracks to a scrumptious meal.
The SA Airforce Museum in Gqeberha will meanwhile host a Wings of Heritage Day festival from 10am to 2pm.
Come and enjoy more than 40 stalls with delicious food, gifts, face painting, jumping castles and much more on the day.
Ice-cold beers and ciders will also be on sale.
In addition, there are some mystery prizes to be won.
While there is no entrance fee, a donation to the museum will be appreciated.
Adding to the excitement of the day, there will be a special visit from the K9 Dog Unit.
For something a little more relaxed yet stimulating for the mind, Exclusive Books in Walmer Park shopping centre will host a heritage book quiz at 6pm. Each participating group must consist of four members or less.
RSVP via the Exclusive Books website.
So whether you are celebrating around the coals, with a shisanyama, at the table with loved ones, or simply dressing up, may the flavours of babotie, vetkoek, samp and beans, milk tart and bunny chow fill the air.
The Herald
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