We are in our final days of September. Spring has sprung. Our first rains have watered the earth and our national Heritage holiday has come and gone.
With a history like South Africa, heritage is an important factor in our 'rainbow' democracy. Heritage day allows us to celebrate our diversity but also recognize the things that unite us. In our 20 years of democracy there have been moments that have connected us as South Africans and united us beyond colour, culture and beliefs.
1. Nelson Mandela's prison release
Nelson Mandela was released when I was only 4 years old. At the time, I had no knowledge of the hate between Caucasians and People of Colour. My family moved to what was then the white suburbs in 1992. We were one of the first black people in the neighborhood. Only when I was older, did my dad tell us the stories of how our delivered milk would be broken in the mornings (the days milk men) or how our refuse bins would constantly be turned over. People were not happy about our presence but as the children we were sheltered from it all.
I can't recall viewing Nelson Mandela's release on television but when I see archived clips at the time of his release, there were cries of rejoice, chants from masses and trails of many who wanted to just take a glimpse of the man. People that day received a new hope.This event will always be deemed historical and even though not everyone in South Africa were united, millions of people around the world stood in solidarity.
2. Rugby World Cup 1995
With a history like South Africa, heritage is an important factor in our 'rainbow' democracy. Heritage day allows us to celebrate our diversity but also recognize the things that unite us. In our 20 years of democracy there have been moments that have connected us as South Africans and united us beyond colour, culture and beliefs.
1. Nelson Mandela's prison release
Nelson Mandela was released when I was only 4 years old. At the time, I had no knowledge of the hate between Caucasians and People of Colour. My family moved to what was then the white suburbs in 1992. We were one of the first black people in the neighborhood. Only when I was older, did my dad tell us the stories of how our delivered milk would be broken in the mornings (the days milk men) or how our refuse bins would constantly be turned over. People were not happy about our presence but as the children we were sheltered from it all.
I can't recall viewing Nelson Mandela's release on television but when I see archived clips at the time of his release, there were cries of rejoice, chants from masses and trails of many who wanted to just take a glimpse of the man. People that day received a new hope.This event will always be deemed historical and even though not everyone in South Africa were united, millions of people around the world stood in solidarity.
2. Rugby World Cup 1995
I sadly cannot follow the game of rugby and in 1995 it wasn't any different. At the opening ceremony stood our first democratic president, Nelson Mandela. Now rugby in SA had always been a sport viewed and played only by Caucasians. But the 24th of June was different and I'm not sure if it was the presence of the Man that broke the stereotype or the fact that it was our first world cup since the international sports boycott. Whatever the reason or influence - that day, we as South Africans stood together behind the Bokke's. It was a perfect day - the skies were clear and in the atmosphere there was a tangible buzz of oneness. Everyone that was there was connected and it was good.
When the final whistle of the match blew and South Africa had won. There was an eruption of cries. The eruption came from my home, the neighbours and victory screams from the entire neighbourhood. The video footage of various sports bars and other locations depicted the same explosive jubilation. I remember when we won, I jumped up screaming, ran outside the house and down the street of my suburb. Those that came out from their homes were so happy, we couldn't stop celebrating. Its a moment engraved in my mind and even as I write this, I smile. It was and is a happy moment in time
3. The 2010 Soccer World Cup Bid Announcement
The day they announced that South Africa would be hosting the World Cup 2010, it was the year 2004 and I was attending netball regional trials. I was running the court in the blistering heat of summer with sweat dripping from every pore in my body. I must have been in the middle of my defense when the siren went off, everyone paused and a loud female voice from the intercom screamed "We won the 2010 World Cup Soccer bid!!!!!" Everything after happened in slow motion, we were hugging, laughing, cheering, some parents even shed tears.
Our South African soccer team are not the strongest of teams but when we won the 2010 Soccer Bid in 2004, it was the equivalent to winning the cup. The first African country to host the biggest sports tournament and we did a darn good job at it. The opening and closing ceremonies were of high standard, our blaring iconic vuvuzelas, ample accommodation, historical tourist sights, security everywhere. South Africa became a true rainbow nation with cultures from across the globe. I live inland South Africa and even though it was winter, the vibrant atmosphere was reminiscent of the holiday season by the beach. For those brief couple of weeks of celebration, we were united as South Africans.
It was not my intention to speak solely about Nelson Mandela but interesting to see that he in some way influenced key moments in South Africa.
When the final whistle of the match blew and South Africa had won. There was an eruption of cries. The eruption came from my home, the neighbours and victory screams from the entire neighbourhood. The video footage of various sports bars and other locations depicted the same explosive jubilation. I remember when we won, I jumped up screaming, ran outside the house and down the street of my suburb. Those that came out from their homes were so happy, we couldn't stop celebrating. Its a moment engraved in my mind and even as I write this, I smile. It was and is a happy moment in time
3. The 2010 Soccer World Cup Bid Announcement
The day they announced that South Africa would be hosting the World Cup 2010, it was the year 2004 and I was attending netball regional trials. I was running the court in the blistering heat of summer with sweat dripping from every pore in my body. I must have been in the middle of my defense when the siren went off, everyone paused and a loud female voice from the intercom screamed "We won the 2010 World Cup Soccer bid!!!!!" Everything after happened in slow motion, we were hugging, laughing, cheering, some parents even shed tears.
Our South African soccer team are not the strongest of teams but when we won the 2010 Soccer Bid in 2004, it was the equivalent to winning the cup. The first African country to host the biggest sports tournament and we did a darn good job at it. The opening and closing ceremonies were of high standard, our blaring iconic vuvuzelas, ample accommodation, historical tourist sights, security everywhere. South Africa became a true rainbow nation with cultures from across the globe. I live inland South Africa and even though it was winter, the vibrant atmosphere was reminiscent of the holiday season by the beach. For those brief couple of weeks of celebration, we were united as South Africans.
It was not my intention to speak solely about Nelson Mandela but interesting to see that he in some way influenced key moments in South Africa.
Heritage day in South Africa is sometimes also referred to as National Braai day. This is not a barbeque that many people are accustomed to. A braai is when you cook meat over hot coal. As South Africans a braai is what unites us. We all do it - Jew or Gentile, vegetarian or a meat lover, anything goes on a braai. A braai makes us proudly South African and you cant beat the taste of meat that has been turned under fire, bush enthusiast would agree.
South Africa made over by establishing individuals and pockets of events that united all people and every class towards a common goal. I believe if we were to continue to pursue common goals, South Africa would be greater.
