body essay about heritage day

Heritage Day Essay Guide for Grade 10 Learners

This page contains an essay guide for Grade 10 History learners on how to write a Heritage Day essay (introduction, body, and conclusion). On the 24th of September every year in South Africa, there is a great celebration of all cultures and heritages of all South Africans. This was after the Inkatha Freedom Party proposal in 1996.

Table of Contents

Background on South African Heritage Day

Before you write your essay, you should first know what heritage day is and what it means.

The word ‘heritage’ can be used in different ways. One use of the word emphasises our heritage as human beings. Another use of the word relates to the ways in which people remember the past, through heritage sites, museums, through the construction of monuments and memorials and in families and communities (oral history). Some suggest that heritage is everything that is handed down to us from the past.

One branch of Heritage Studies engages critically (debates) with issues of heritage and public representations of the past, and conservation.

It asks us to think about how the past is remembered and what a person or community or country chooses to remember about the past. It is also concerned with the way the events from the past are portrayed in museums and monuments, and in traditions. It includes the issue of whose past is remembered and whose past has been left unrecognised or, for example, how a monument or museum could be made more inclusive.

Important: you should include relevant images to go with your key points. You can find plenty of images on the internet, as long as you provide the credits/sources.

When you write your Heritage Day essay as a grade 10 student, you will get great marks if you include the following structure:

• Provide a brief history linked to heritage day
• The main key issues you will be discussing throughout your essay
• Explain the changes that were made to this public holiday.
• Explain how the day is celebrated in schools, families, workplaces and other institutions like churches etc.
• How does the celebration of the holiday bring unity and close the gaps of the past?
• Explain how the celebration of the day enforces the application of the constitution of South Africa.
• What key points did your essay cover?
• What new knowledge did you learn or discover?
• What are your views on “Heritage Day”?

Example of “Heritage Day” Essay for Grade 10 Students

Below is an example of how to write an essay about Heritage Day for grade 10 learners, using the structure discussed above:

Introduction:

Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September, is a South African public holiday that serves as a reminder of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and diverse history. The day was established to honor the various cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make South Africa a truly unique and diverse country. This essay will discuss the history of Heritage Day, the changes made to this public holiday, and how its celebration promotes unity and reinforces the South African Constitution .

Changes to Heritage Day:

Initially known as Shaka Day, Heritage Day was introduced to commemorate the legendary Zulu King Shaka who played a significant role in unifying various Zulu clans into one cohesive nation. However, with the advent of a democratic South Africa in 1994, the day was renamed Heritage Day to promote a broader and more inclusive celebration of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.

Celebrations in Various Institutions:

Heritage Day is celebrated in numerous ways throughout South Africa, with schools, families, workplaces, and religious institutions all participating. In schools, students and teachers dress in traditional attire, and activities such as cultural performances, food fairs, and storytelling sessions are organized to educate learners about different cultural backgrounds. Families gather to share traditional meals, pass down stories, and engage in cultural activities. Workplaces often host events that encourage employees to showcase their diverse backgrounds, while churches and other religious institutions use the day as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

Promoting Unity and Closing Gaps:

The celebration of Heritage Day has played a vital role in fostering unity and bridging the divides of the past. By appreciating and acknowledging the various cultures and traditions, South Africans learn to respect and accept one another, ultimately creating a more harmonious society. The public holiday serves as a platform to engage in conversations about the nation’s history, allowing for a better understanding of the diverse experiences that have shaped South Africa.

Enforcing the South African Constitution:

Heritage Day also reinforces the principles enshrined in the South African Constitution, which guarantees cultural and linguistic rights to all citizens. By celebrating and embracing the diverse cultures, South Africans put into practice the values of equality, dignity, and freedom as envisioned by the Constitution.

Conclusion:

In this essay, we have explored the history and significance of Heritage Day, its transformation from Shaka Day, and how it is celebrated across various institutions in South Africa. We have also discussed how the celebration of this day fosters unity and enforces the principles of the South African Constitution. Heritage Day serves as a reminder that our differences make us stronger, and that through understanding and embracing our diverse backgrounds, we can build a more inclusive and united South Africa.

More Resources

Below are more previous resources you can download in pdf format:

Professor of Anthropology and Executive Dean of Arts , Nelson Mandela University

Disclosure statement

Rosabelle Boswell receives funding from the National Research Foundation.

Nelson Mandela University provides funding as a partner of The Conversation AFRICA.

View all partners

Foundation essay: This is a longer than usual article that takes a wider look at a key issue affecting society.

September is heritage month in South Africa. However, not many people may know that heritage and Heritage Day are much more than another chance for a barbeque, known locally as a braai.

In the past few years, many South Africans have come to associate Heritage Day with a good opportunity to do just that. On this day, some South Africans eat boerewors (homemade flavoured sausage) and drink beer. After all, Heritage Day is unofficially classified by some as ‘National Braai Day’. But heritage is much more than boerewors and beer. It is big business worldwide and has become part of a global toolkit for interpreting the past and forging the future.

A global phenomenon

In the past 50 years, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Council has inscribed more than 900 sites on its World Heritage List . Tourists from across the globe flock to these sites, earning major income for the nations concerned. A Global Heritage Fund study showed that 500 global heritage sites in the developing world are expected to generate over US $100 billion a year by 2025.

Authors on heritage are also prolific, as the literature is vast. Global conferences on heritage and tourism host thousands of anthropologists, tourism specialists, historians, archaeologists and development professionals. The experts debate the meaning of heritage, its commoditisation in the contemporary world, the impact of globalisation on culture, the loss of important monuments and artefacts through war, terrorism and colonisation. The presenters also debate the role of heritage in national political discourse, especially in emergent discourses in post-colonial states.

Sceptics among them argue that heritage has become that warm fuzzy blanket we use to nostalgically reflect on and evoke the past. We may look wistfully at statues of fallen war heroes and remember their contribution to peace, freedom and democracy, consolidating their place in history and collective memory. Heritage is also accused of inducing amnesia, encouraging a remembrance of certain things and a forgetting of others.

Authors argue that this is especially relevant in nations where the legacy of colonialism is still evident, where the political marginalisation or ‘othering’ of groups has led to the associated marginalisation of their heritage. Thus heritage management is rarely a neutral interpretation of the past.

Symbols for the powerful, or for the people

In recent decades then, and certainly in global society, it has become abundantly clear that heritage is not merely a legacy or a gift that we pass from one generation to the next. It can become the symbolic capital of the powerful, their way for reproducing hegemony in the world. The latter is especially relevant when one takes a closer look at the World Heritage List, which indicates that many of the world heritages are situated in the global north.

The majority of tangible heritages identified on the World Heritage List are in North America and Europe. African heritages, many of which are intangible, are few on this list. One might surmise that a list prepared by a multinational organisation is not important, but as the Global Heritage Fund study shows , world heritage is a source of significant revenue. More important than revenue, heritage sites serve as important spaces and places for restorative justice, healing and pride.

The restoration of heritage can offer new narratives of the nation. The stories can also offer a space for democratisation, for the inclusion of women’s contributions to culture and identity. An uncritical ‘use’ of heritage, however, can also be detrimental and encourage what some have called a ‘cultural mosaic’ view of the world, separated and marked by difference.

In 2003, Unesco ratified its Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage . This was a welcome addition to its various, detailed conventions regarding the protection of cultural and natural heritages. But Unesco cannot enforce the protection and safeguarding of heritage. At least, there was not a case of it doing so, until very recently, when it condemned the Islamic State’s bombing of the Bel Temple in Palmyra as a war crime .

This critical decision on the part of the world body raises important questions that can be posed but not answered here. How do we decide what should be safeguarded? Can and should heritages last for all time? What kind of war crimes should we be foregrounding and focusing on?

Where heritage is woven into everyday life

Anthropological research in the southwest Indian Ocean shows that heritage is regional, dynamic, creolised and deeply intangible. The reason for its intangibility is that African slaves and Indian indentured labourers, as well as the islands’ many immigrant communities, could not bring all of their tangible artefacts with them. In most instances, those of African and Indian descent were denigrated and denied their cultural identity.

The heritages which these populations hold, however, now find expression in everyday actions and places. From the honouring of ancestors to the composition of music (in the Sega of Mauritius for example) and the attention to oralature, the creolised people of the islands occupy a rich and culturally dynamic social world. On the magical island of Zanzibar, for instance, identities and heritages are imbued with scent.

The use of ylang-ylang, patchouli and vanilla infuse cultural rituals and mark off cultural boundaries. Scent is used to ward off evil and illness and aroma used to attract romance and health. History is described in scented terms, a time of glorious fragrant harmony and the displeasure and stink of present corruption.

In Madagascar, ancestral veneration is still significant and is replete with a range of cultural practices which find unique expression in different parts of the island. Heritage is evident in wood carving, a unique maritime ethos (in the sand drawing of the Vezo in the south of the island), in food and in hair styling. There are, for instance, the ‘braids of love’ (which for women symbolises one’s desire to find a true and lasting love) or braids signifying that one has recently become a mother.

Celebrating the present rather than the past

To return to the incredibly culturally rich continent of Africa and South Africa in particular, one finds an equally rich set of heritages. This is evident in the country’s 11 official languages, the dress of its indigenous peoples, the cultural rituals they share and in the music they compose and sing. Heritage is also evident in the philosophy of Ubuntu , in the political heritage of liberation and in the multifarious contributions of the nations’ diverse immigrant and settler populations. Ubuntu concerns the collective idealised behaviour and practice, produced by communities over a long period of time.

National Braai Day is, as one anthropology colleague once argued, a way to achieve a universal, apolitical symbol of national unification. However and in view of the ongoing Rhodes Must Fall movement , in which there is the removal and ‘defacing’ of colonial monuments across the country as part of efforts to reclaim the present by effacing the past, one finds that there is little focus on the existing bio and cultural diversity of South Africa and a true celebration of these things in all their complexity.

The braai, delicious as it is, is not exactly post-apartheid or un-gendered food. Some might say that it enacts a nostalgic image of (male, settler) farmers gathered around a fire, drinking their home brew and eating homemade sausages in the veld . It is almost a return in the urban ‘jungle’, to an authentic or imagined past. Perhaps contemporary, post-apartheid South Africa should not lose itself in the boerewors and the braai.

Nevertheless, we should be careful not to throw the boerewors out with the braai, as no two boerewors are the same and the braai is different across South Africa, as each person or ‘community’ brings its own flavour to the feast.

• UNESCO World Heritage sites

Sydney Horizon Educators (Identified)

Senior Disability Services Advisor

Deputy Social Media Producer

Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy

GRAINS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CHAIRPERSON

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

112 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Heritage is an important aspect of our identity and plays a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. It encompasses our cultural, familial, and historical backgrounds, and often influences our beliefs, values, and traditions. Writing about heritage can be a powerful way to explore and celebrate the richness of our backgrounds, and to reflect on the ways in which our heritage has shaped us.

If you're looking for inspiration for an essay on heritage, here are 112 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• How your family's heritage has influenced your identity
• Exploring the traditions and customs of your cultural heritage
• The importance of preserving and celebrating your heritage
• How your heritage has shaped your worldview and beliefs
• Investigating the history of your ancestral homeland
• The role of language in preserving cultural heritage
• The significance of traditional foods in your heritage
• Exploring the music and dance of your cultural heritage
• The impact of immigration on your family's heritage
• The ways in which storytelling has preserved your heritage
• Exploring the religious beliefs and practices of your heritage
• The influence of art and literature on your cultural heritage
• The role of education in passing down cultural heritage
• Understanding the impact of colonization on your heritage
• The importance of cultural festivals in preserving heritage
• Investigating the role of women in preserving cultural heritage
• Exploring the impact of globalization on your heritage
• The significance of traditional clothing in your heritage
• The role of oral history in preserving family heritage
• The impact of war and conflict on your heritage
• How your heritage has influenced your career choices
• Exploring the role of technology in preserving cultural heritage
• The ways in which your heritage has influenced your relationships
• Investigating the role of architecture in preserving cultural heritage
• The importance of genealogy in understanding your heritage
• Exploring the impact of climate change on cultural heritage
• The significance of traditional crafts in your heritage
• The role of music and dance in preserving cultural heritage
• Understanding the impact of migration on your heritage
• The ways in which your heritage has influenced your sense of community
• Exploring the role of food and drink in preserving cultural heritage
• The importance of traditional medicine in your heritage
• Investigating the impact of urbanization on cultural heritage
• The significance of storytelling in preserving family heritage
• Exploring the impact of colonization on your heritage
• The ways in which your heritage has influenced your

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

Celebrating Unity in Diversity: Heritage Day in South Africa

South Africa is a country renowned for its rich cultural diversity, where people of various backgrounds, languages, and traditions coexist harmoniously. A significant celebration that embodies this cultural tapestry is Heritage Day, observed on September 24th each year.

This day is a reflection of the nation’s commitment to celebrating and preserving its unique heritage. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance, history, and customs of Heritage Day in South Africa.

The Significance of Heritage Day

Heritage Day, also known as “Braai Day,” serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing and cherishing South Africa’s cultural mosaic. It encourages South Africans to take pride in their roots, whether they are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Indian, or any of the other diverse groups that call the country home. This celebration fosters unity by recognizing that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity.

Historical Roots

The roots of Heritage Day can be traced back to the early 1990s when South Africa was undergoing a profound transformation from apartheid to democracy. During this time, there was a growing desire to foster unity among the nation’s diverse population. In 1995, the government officially declared September 24th as Heritage Day to encourage South Africans to celebrate their cultural heritage.

Braai Day Tradition

One of the most beloved aspects of Heritage Day is the tradition of “braai,” a South African barbecue. On this day, families and friends gather to enjoy a feast of grilled meats, traditional dishes, and homemade treats. The sizzling sound of meat on the grill and the aroma of spices fill the air as people come together to share food and stories. It’s a time to bond, strengthen relationships, and appreciate the culinary diversity that South Africa offers.

Cultural Celebrations

Heritage Day is not just about food; it’s also about showcasing the nation’s vibrant cultures. Throughout South Africa, you can find cultural festivals, performances, and exhibitions on this day. People dress in their traditional attire, dance to traditional music, and participate in various cultural activities. It’s an opportunity to learn about and experience the richness of South Africa’s heritage.

Promoting Tolerance and Understanding

In a country with a history of deep-seated divisions, Heritage Day plays a vital role in promoting tolerance and understanding. It encourages conversations about the past while emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and building a united future. By celebrating their heritage together, South Africans contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation and nation-building.

Heritage Day in South Africa is a beautiful celebration of unity in diversity. It reminds us that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to cherish its cultural heritage while embracing the differences that make it unique. As South Africans gather around the braai fires and celebrate their traditions, they send a powerful message: that diversity is a source of strength, and heritage is a bridge that connects us all.

Heritage Day Around South Africa

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Waffle House | Ramsgate (@wafflehouseza)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thembalitsha Foundation (@thembalitsha)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Kusasa Project 🇿🇦 (@thekusasaproject)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Stay in touch

Fill in your email to receive occasional updates from The Expedition Project. We will never share your address and you can opt-out at any time.

We are here to help

Book a Telephonic Consultation, Virtual Consultation or On Campus Consultation. 

Interested in studying at SACAP? Complete an enquiry form and let us know how we can help. 

Got questions? They may already be answered here 

Ready to get started?

• Student Support
• Accommodation
• Admissions Policy
• Credit transfer
• Financial support
• Foreign qualifications
• Interview Processes
• Recognition of Prior Learning
• Year Planner
• Accreditation & Recognition
• How to apply
• Marketing Consent
• PAIA Manual
• Registration Certificate
• Terms & conditions
• Testimonials

Applied Psychology

Management & leadership.

• Social Work & Community Development
• Academic Articles
• Alumni Blogs
• Interviews and Webinars

Why Reflect on Heritage?

Oct 06, 2020 | by saranne durham.

Heritage Day is a day of reflection. A time when South African ’s look on their shared past. We celebrate the diversity and traditions that underpin our nation.

If remembering our country’s heritage is important – what about an individual’s heritage? Do our own stories matter? Do they impact our future? Or is the telling of an individual’s story a mere lamenting or celebrating of a memory and nothing more?

“Our own stories help shape our future selves.”

Psychologists, within a burgeoning field of psychology known as Narrative Psychology, say that in the same way that the many and varied tales of our country’s triumphs and travails shape the prospects we hold for its future, so our personal heritage – the story we tell of our individual past – shapes the person we become in the future.

Making Sense of Life

According to Jonathan Adler, an assistant professor of psychology at Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, “Life is incredibly complex, there are lots of things going on in our environment and in our lives at all times. And in order to hold onto our experience, we need to make meaning out of it. The way we do that is by structuring our lives into stories”. It is therefore not surprising that the default mode of human cognition and communication is a narrative, storytelling, one.

It’s important to remember that any narrative creation, historical or autobiographical, contains biases, opinions and even untruths. The reality is personal differences and emotions lead people to see the same event in different ways. What really matters is whether people are making something meaningful and coherent out of what happened. It’s not so much about the truth in the legal sense.

“The complexities of life are easier to understand through storytelling.”

Dr Dan McAdams, a psychology professor at North Western University in Illinois, has spent the past decade studying stories. He takes the view of structuring life into stories, to better understand the complexities of life, a step further. McAdams surmises that “Life stories do not simply reflect personality. They are personality, or more accurately, they are important parts of personality , along with other parts, like dispositional traits, goals, and values”.

The Impact of Your Story

“For better or worse, stories are a very powerful source of self-persuasion, and they are highly internally consistent,” says Dr John Holmes, a psychology professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Thus, the stories we tell about ourselves have a strong sway over our future.

In studies conducted by McAdams and colleagues, it was found that people whose personal stories featured a redemptive thread, where good prevails over misfortune, were found to score higher on the Generativity Scale. This tool measures the desire to promote the wellbeing of future generations and make the world a better place. They also tended to be happier people .

“How you tell your personal story could determine your life trajectory.”

Essentially, how we tell our personal stories could determine our trajectory in life. The more positive you are in how you tell your story, the more likely you are to be happy overall. Furthermore, it has also been shown that negative self-talk has an all-around health impact. It can even determine how one is able to deal with stress. Researchers reason that the health benefits of having a positive life perception could impact:

• the span of your life.
• how resistant you are to illnesses such as the common cold.
• your psychological wellbeing.
• cardiovascular health.

Bridging Gaps through Reflection

By reflecting on our own heritage and cultural background then sharing it with others with a different heritage, we create the opportunity to find common ground.

No one is an island. Our own life stories are contextualised within a community setting, communities in turn make up the building blocks of the country we live in. Because how we tell our own narrative will determine how we feel about ourselves, it will also impact the way in which we engage with our community and its heritage. Understanding your own communities’ heritage and celebrating it enables better connections moreover creating stronger unity within a community.  Whether our community thrives or battles can determine the overall bigger picture of a country.

The stories we tell ourselves, and the power those stories have, is one of the core facets of the study of psychology . If this interests you, consider studying a psychology course at SACAP. You can use it as a springboard for pursuing a career in psychology , or apply the skills you learn in any number of other career paths. For more information, enquire now .

Related Courses

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling)

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Management)

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Business Management)

Could you be dating a narcissist? These are the signs

Borderline Personality Disorder: The patient psychologists fear most?

Popular Courses

Diploma in counselling and communication skills, social work and community development, bachelor of social work, popular posts, self-development: 15 easy ways to grow yourself every day, the different types of intelligence: what kind of smarts are you, what matric subjects are needed to study psychology, your form is being submitted..

Thank you for your enquiry

Privacy Overview

Essay on Heritage

Students are often asked to write an essay on Heritage in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Heritage

Understanding heritage.

Heritage refers to traditions, objects, and culture inherited from past generations. It encompasses everything from buildings and artworks to languages and values.

Types of Heritage

There are two main types: tangible and intangible. Tangible heritage includes physical artifacts like monuments, whereas intangible heritage involves traditions, language, and knowledge.

Importance of Heritage

Heritage helps us understand our history and identity. It provides a sense of belonging and continuity, linking us to our ancestors.

Preserving Heritage

Preserving heritage is crucial. It ensures future generations can learn from the past and appreciate their roots.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Heritage

250 Words Essay on Heritage

Heritage is a multifaceted concept, embodying the tangible and intangible aspects of our past. It is the legacy we inherit from our ancestors and pass on to future generations. This inheritance can be in the form of cultural traditions, historical monuments, folklore, and natural landscapes.

The Importance of Heritage

Heritage plays a crucial role in defining our identity and sense of belonging. It provides a link to our roots and offers a sense of continuity and stability in a rapidly changing world. It is a source of pride and inspiration, reminding us of our collective achievements and struggles.

Heritage and Education

The study of heritage is an essential part of education. It helps students understand their history, culture, and the evolution of societal norms. It fosters respect for diversity and encourages a sense of global citizenship.

The preservation of heritage is a shared responsibility. It involves active participation from individuals, communities, and governments. While governments can enact laws to protect heritage sites, individuals and communities can contribute by promoting their local heritage and educating others about its importance.

Heritage is a priceless treasure that enriches our lives in countless ways. It is a testament to our past, a guide for our present, and a beacon for our future. Therefore, understanding, appreciating, and preserving our heritage is vital for our growth as individuals and as a society.

500 Words Essay on Heritage

Heritage refers to the legacy that is inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and bestowed to future generations. It encompasses tangible and intangible elements, including cultural traditions, historical sites, artifacts, and natural landscapes. Heritage is not just a testament to human achievement; it also provides a sense of identity and continuity in a rapidly changing world.

The Tangible and Intangible Aspects of Heritage

Tangible heritage comprises physical artifacts and locations that we can touch, see, and experience. These include buildings, monuments, landscapes, books, works of art, and artifacts. They represent the physical embodiment of a culture’s history and achievements.

On the other hand, intangible heritage includes practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. Examples include oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and festive events. These intangible aspects are often more challenging to preserve than tangible ones, as they are embedded in community practices and often require continued transmission to remain alive.

The Importance of Heritage Preservation

Heritage preservation is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a tangible connection to the past. By preserving and studying heritage, we can gain a deeper understanding of our ancestors’ lives and the historical events that shaped our world.

Secondly, heritage preservation contributes to identity formation. It allows us to understand our roots and gives us a sense of belonging. It also fosters respect for cultural diversity and human creativity, promoting social cohesion and sustainable development.

Lastly, heritage can have significant economic benefits. Heritage tourism, for instance, can bring considerable income to communities, contributing to their economic sustainability.

Challenges in Heritage Preservation

Despite its importance, heritage preservation faces several challenges. Rapid urbanization and industrialization often lead to the destruction of heritage sites. Climate change also poses a significant threat, causing damage to many sites through rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and extreme weather events.

Furthermore, preserving intangible heritage can be particularly challenging. As societies modernize, many traditional practices and knowledge are being lost. Ensuring their transmission to younger generations is vital for their survival.

The Role of Individuals and Communities

Individuals and communities play a crucial role in heritage preservation. They can advocate for the protection of heritage sites, participate in preservation efforts, and promote the value of heritage through education and community engagement. By doing so, they can help ensure that our rich and diverse heritage is preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

In conclusion, heritage is a precious link to our past, a key to understanding our present, and a gift to our future. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and pass it on, ensuring that the lessons, achievements, and beauty of our ancestors continue to enrich our world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on World Heritage Day
• Essay on Cultural Heritage
• Essay on Cultural Criticism

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Projects Heartlines Fathers Matter What's Your Story? Values & Money

Nothing in your cart yet, add something .

Heritage Day reflections

We recently celebrated Heritage Day in our beloved South Africa. This led me to reflect on the heritage we have as a country with its diverse people and eleven official languages, which are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana), Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. Language is part of our heritage and is linked to our identity. Sadly, for the Khoi and San people, South Africa’s first inhabitants do not have their languages recognised as official.

As a person of mixed race I struggled with my identity through childhood and my first few years at high school. This is a common challenge for many mixed race people in our country. During my high school years, I began to read the Bible more intensely and discovered my true identity in its pages – right from Genesis through to Revelation. In Genesis we discover Adam and Eve as the mother and father of all humankind. We also discover that we were made in God’s image. We learn in Ephesians 1:5 that “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” This discovery was life changing and brought about a freedom and acceptance of myself even though I do not know the full story of my biological heritage.

 “…and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands” Revelation 7:9. So, turn to the Bible with renewed curiosity to discover your true identity and family heritage for yourself.

Rainbow dream

Heritage Day also made me ask the question, “Is the dream of a true rainbow nation still possible?” Following the recent unrest and violence which took place in our country, particularly the murders in Phoenix, and with the narrative in the media of racism, and many conversations taking place referencing the 1949 riots, you begin to wonder if there is hope for our rainbow nation.

Last week I was privileged to be a part of a two-day Bridge Leadership Engagement with church leaders from the PINKU Region (Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, Kwa Mashu, Umhlanga/Durban North. I watched this group of ministers representing all the racial diversity in our country, connecting at a deeper level through the sharing of their stories. Watching them working together, identifying the problems in their communities and a commitment to finding solutions to build their communities and our beloved country. Part of our godly heritage is love and reconciliation which was exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. Let us be practitioners of love and reconciliation because of Christ.

God put the first rainbow in the sky as a beacon of hope for Noah. This gives me a reason to hope that the dream of a rainbow nation is still alive!

Craig Bouchier

Craig is a Heartlines' regional representative who has worked in  in different ministry roles for many years. Read more about Craig and his journey from playing soccer for AmaZulu FC, to climbing the corporate ladder and taking up his calling into ministry.

How honest should you be with a friend?

You may also like, rise up with hope.

Brett 'Fish' Anderson encourages us to fight for hope in the midst of the darkness and suffering we see in the world around us.

Remembering Sharpeville and reflecting on human rights

Olefile Masangane shares his thoughts on why we need to remember where we have come from as we commemorate Human Right's Day and observe Lent this March. 

Advent reflection for 2021

Edwin Arrison shares how the hope of Christ can change our perspective and focus in a chaotic, painful world.

The hope of Spring

Relationship and family therapist Merrishia Singh-Naicker shares her thoughts on how we can enter into the new season of Spring with renewed hope, even as we honestly face the reality of increasing violence against women and girls.

We see you're enjoying the site

We have hundreds of digital downloads, guides, videos and other resources to help you and your community live out positive values. Sign up now to get access to resources, online courses and more from across all our projects.

131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best heritage topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on heritage, ✅ simple & easy heritage essay titles, 💡 interesting topics to write about heritage.

• The Mughal Empire: Culture and Heritage The combination of the regions’ economic independence, the tensions between Hindus and Muslims, and the penetration of the subcontinent by the European economic powers led to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
• Heritage Tourism and Cultural Tourism In the preservation of the sites for tourism purposes, it is clear that what is termed as the “culture of today” becomes the heritage of the future. There is a need to unveil the complexity […] We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• The Poem “Heritage” by Countie Cullen As a result of the specified exploration, the chance to heal and embrace the cultural roots emerges for African American readers.
• The Preservation of Our Cultural Heritage: Music for Entertainment and Communication Similar to how music plays a significant role in the lives of many people, it is an important aspect of history and culture.
• Cultural Competence: Jamaican Heritage Self-reflection as a way to improve one’s cultural competence Jamaican cultural ancestry Addressing social norms, cultural beliefs, behaviors, and the impact on health care Self-reflection has been regarded as an effective way to self-develop […]
• The Life and Legacy of John Wesley Wesley was not like any other minister of the gospel but he was a courageous and spirit-filled minister of the gospel who preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, impacting millions of people.
• Heritage Tourism vs. Cultural Tourism Definition In contrast, cultural tourism fails to consider the experience of the past and is more concerned with the meeting the needs of the visitors.
• Cultural Identity and Heritage in the “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker In the broad context, Walker designs the story to underscore the conflict that African Americans faced concerning their cultural identity and heritage after the abolition of slavery.
• Duke Ellington Life and Legacy Duke Ellington was known widely to be one of the greatest composer and musician of jazz music in the 20th century.
• Umm Al-Nar: Geoarchaeology and Cultural Heritage This report aims at revealing the essentials of the Umm al-Nar site along with its significance in the framework of cultural heritage and tourism to understand the role of this geoarchaeological complex in nowadays national […]
• Local Museums and Their Cultural Heritage Perhaps, lack of this information is to hide the miseries of the past and assist the Asian-Americans to concentrate in the positive part of history.
• Heritage and Cultural Tourism Those in support of the claim that the two types of tourism meaning the same continue to say that the features that can be used to differentiate between the two types of tourism are the […]
• The History of Women’s Heritage Month WHM is a result of countless women’s hardships and devotion from the beginning of the 20th century they steadily fought for the right to be acknowledged and rightfully deserved it.
• The Legacy of the Arabic Female Poetry: Al-Khansa Al-Khansa is considered one of the greatest Arabic poetesses of the classical period. To a large extent, the death of her most beloved brother Sakhr defined Al-Khansa’s poetic style known as ritha, or mourning elegy.
• Emily Carr’s Legacy in Canadian Art History Her remembrance was greatly attributed to the paintings she made, with the main highlights being her pursuit of Canadian spirit in a modern way as was represented in several of her paintings.
• Cultural Heritage of Oyo Empire in Africa The brightest period of this ethnic group’s development is the time of the Oyo Empire which impacted the Nigerian culture and today remains the largest and most influential state.
• Why Shakespearean Legacy Still Matters First, Shakespeare’s work is universal and timeless. Relatable characters and themes weave the stories in Shakespeare’s plays.
• Sappho of Creative Heritage: Fragment 31 The Fragment 31 by Sappho is a masterpiece that celebrates being in love and demonstrates the pain of inner feelings because of unrequited love.
• African American Heritage and Culture After the abolishment of slave trade, and the subsequent abolishment of segregation laws, African Americans attained full citizenship in America.
• YeKooche First Nation Aboriginal: The Cultural Heritage They give a reflection of the life of the Aboriginal groups The cultural heritage consists of items or places that are of significance to the Aboriginal people on their traditions, customs and history.
• Japanese Kimono: A Part of Cultural Heritage The other reason behind the waning popularity of the kimono is the intricate design used in its knitting. In the beginning of the 18th century, the name of this garment was changed to kimono.
• Italian Heritage and Its Impact on Life in the US The low rate of career penetration for Italian-Americans in the field of medicine is in part due to a combination of false stereotyping, belief that other ethnicities are simply better in the field of medicine, […]
• India’s Cultural Heritage: Individuality and Behavior The younger the generation, the easier it becomes to get used to the world that is around and so, the transition into the new population and culture is almost unnoticeable.
• Abraham Lincoln’s Cultural and Political Legacy on Central America 3 However, the eruption of the American Civil War resulted to the consecutive banning of slavery in all the States in U.S.
• Modern Turkey, Ottoman Legacy and Westernization Many of the country’s customs and practices, such as the traditional Turkish greeting and the importance of hospitality, have their roots in the Ottoman period.
• Family’s Heritage of Liberian Family There is the Mela group which is compromised of the Kissi and Gola and they are considered the oldest in the region.
• Historical Legacy of the Twentieth Century The end of the century was marked by more positive happenings, such as the collapse of the communist regime and gaining of independence by many countries.
• African-American Heritage in the “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker Dee and Maggie do not interact, it is only as the story ends that Dee speaks to her angrily as she is leaving; this ending portrays the relationship of the African and American heritages.
• Maintaining a Diverse Heritage in America In order for a nation to remain one, the people have to accept the diversity of cultures in the nation and appreciate each other’s culture.
• Third World Liberation: Legacy of the TWLF at UC Berkeley Although the goal of the Third World Liberation Front to establish an independent third world college on campus was not realized at the height of this activist movement in 1969, the movement strongly influenced future […]
• The Blackfoot Indians Culture and Historical Heritage The Reservation of the Blackfoot Indians is the place of residence to over 17 thousand members of the given nation and spans 1,5 million acres.
• Leadership Legacy Issues The ability of leadership to attain results is dependent on many factors such the followers, the environment, resources, and activities that go towards the achievement of the goals that the leadership is established to attain.
• The Lascaux Caves as World Heritage Sites There are seven sections of the Lascaux caves namely: “the Great Hall of the Bulls, the Painted Gallery, the Lateral Passage, the Chamber of Engravings, the Main Gallery, the Chamber of Felines, and the Shaft […]
• Architecture and Cultural Heritage: Pride and National Identity In it, one will find a lot of information about the history of Dubai and the manner in which its people lived in the past.
• The Way Bilingual People Perceive Their Cultural Heritage Amy Tan writes in her essay “Mother’s tong” about the memories of her childhood, the inability of her mother to speak English as if it was her native language, and the ways it influenced the […]
• Journey Through Time and Culture: Exploring China’s Rich Heritage and Festivals At the same time, China is in “relative isolation from the outside world,” which allows the country to preserve its traditional cultural heritage. In conclusion, China is one of the most amazing and unusual countries […]
• The Pulley System: History and Heritage The pulley system is a set of wheels and a rope, one end of which is attached to fixed object, while the other one is fixed on an object that has to be lifted.
• African Art and Cultural Heritage An example of expressive individualism is the artistic creation of the Dan people. Unlike the static form of traditional Western sculpture, African art depicts dynamics and readiness for movement.
• Gwendolyn Brooks’ Poetical Legacy Here, like in “We Real Cool” the use of consonance and assonance is more visible. Gwendolyn Brooks uses dactyl, like in “Sadie and Maud” to deliver the confident, purposeful mood of the poem.
• The Significance and Legacy of Altar Q in Copan The Maya site of Copan is one of the most important monuments of civilization. Moreover, the monument is of historical importance and allows one to trace the royal dynasty of the Maya civilization.
• Brazilian Quilombos’ Heritage, Memory and Identity From the perspective of the indigenous population, the mechanization of the process because it diminishes the role of people in the creation itself.
• Christian Heritage of North Carolina It is required to establish the background of the Christian Church organization in order to offer a brief history of the North Carolina Christian Conference.
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy and Modern-Day Criticism King was linked to the development of the civil rights movement as it was considered to cause a lot of revolution in the country through the use of peaceful demonstrations, which succeeded in the attainment […]
• Architectural Heritage: Digital Preservation The main aims of digital preservations are; to enable the supply of heritage through digital outlets to large audiences, to guarantee that initial measurements and forms of natural heritage are not lost in case of […]
• The Prince Edward Theatre as English Heritage The auditorium is in a prime position in the heart of the West End, making it easy for theatre-goers to access.
• Cultural Heritage and Human Rights in France For example, the imagination of the inhabitants of this region manifested itself vividly in many ways during the development and construction of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.
• The Colonial Legacy on Education and Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa The necessity to study the history of Cameroon and its effect on the current state of the country calls for a deep investigation of existing literature and modern views of the national issues in education […]
• The Methodist Doctrinal Heritage Methodism is one of the currents of Protestantism that originated in the 18th century within the Anglican Church, the founder of which is John Wesley.
• African Heritage in the Caribbean It is reasonable to conclude that most individuals in the Caribbean associate with Africa and its cultures since they cherish and acknowledge their forefathers, shipped from the continent to the Caribbean by Europeans as slaves.
• Thomas Jefferson’s Legacy in American Memory The text is valuable as it validates my other sources and provides detailed accounts of Jefferson’s position on the issue of slavery.
• Slave Heritage in “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou When read in this light, “Still I Rise” becomes more than a call to perseverance in the face of adversity: it becomes a modern-day homage to the power and beauty of blackness.
• Preserving the Great Wall Heritage Site: Business Proposal The purpose of this proposal is to generally preserve the Great Wall as a cultural heritage through tourism activities and sales of other merchandise.
• “The Marketing of Heritage” Article by Cameron The article The Marketing of Heritage largely compares the approach of different parts of the world, including the West and North, to each other in the use of historical heritage and the creation of traditions.
• Analysis of Contrasting Views on Heritage The author wants to show that Wangero’s desire to reunite with her original roots leads to the alienation from the cultural background of her ancestors in the United States. It was found that Wangero tried […]
• European American Heritage The history of European Americans roots back to time when first immigrants came to the American continent. Initially, the new land was expected to give profit.
• African American, African, Haitian Group and Heritage This presentation focuses on the African and African American cultural groups. It also addresses the African American and Haitian heritages.
• The National Cowboy Western & Heritage Museum People’s culture is formed in the course of the historical development of the society, and arts are a reflection of the transformations that take place along the road.
• Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on Health Care Delivery Healthcare providers must be sensitive to ways in which cultures and beliefs influence healthcare provisions to patients.
• Socio-Cultural Group: Chinese Heritage However, the common ideology among the dynasties is the application of Confucius ideals that has embedded the Chinese society into socialism.
• Heritage Assessment as a Healthcare Tool The fact that the public have become conscious towards encouraging sound health and prevention of various diseases have led to creation of methods and techniques that ease the work of health care professionals towards understanding […]
• Is Sushi a Symbol of Cultural Heritage? The art of sushi making was borrowed from Southeast Asia and China in the 7th century AD, but it is the Japanese who were instrumental in its development. The Japanese are convinced that the best […]
• The Heritage Assessment Tool: Overview Cultural awareness refers to the level of a person’s comprehension of the practices and traditions that guide him in relation to other backgrounds, particular cultural values, and health attitudes.
• Is Sushi a Symbol of Cultural Heritage The Japanese art of sushi is conservative and defines the feeding habits of the ancient Japanese. In addition, a large section of the Vietnamese diet consists of fat and carbohydrates as opposed to the American […]
• People of Jewish and Korean Heritage: Nursing Implications It is therefore very important that all health caregivers understand the culture of each client to enhance good and sensitive care.
• Cultural Heritage and Health On the issue of the development of the right frame of mind, there is a strong belief that trying to convince oneself that there is nothing wrong with the body even in the presence of […]
• The Life, Achievement, and Legacy to Computer Systems of Bill Gates As the president and the CEO of Microsoft Corporation, the market leader in supplying software for personal computers, he became the youngest billionaire in the computer industry.
• Life, Achievement, and Legacy to Computer Systems of Alan Turing Turing was quite influential in computer science development, in addition to setting the framework for the formalization of the algorithm concept, in addition to the use of the Turing machine that he developed, for computation.
• The Colonial Legacy of the Offenses Against the Person Act in Jamaica, West Indies This paper will examine the impact of the legislation on Jamaica, West Indies in the social context of abortion by tracing the colonial history and outlining both past and present abortion laws on the island […]
• The Artistic Legacy of Maya Lin: A Cultural Response to the Vietnam War Major confrontations as the signs of a shift in cultural perspectives and attitudes have always defined the development of art, the Vietnam War being one of the infamous examples of the phenomenon.
• Jazz Heritage Overview and Analysis Named after the town of Orleans in France, New Orleans lived through the rule of the French and the Spaniards before becoming a rightful subject of the United States.
• 14th Century Legacy in the Sonnets of Garcilaso Eliot’s theory of the impersonality of poetry: “The only way of expressing emotion in the form of art is by finding an “objective correlative”; in other words, a set of objects, a situation, a chain […]
• Art, Literature, and Culture: Heritage of the XX Century To portray the events of the twentieth and the twenty-first century I want to create a virtual time capsule that will be buried at this point and opened many years later.
• Leadership Legacy: Definition and Goals Whatever they impact on these people will be forwarded to the future of the organization and thus the leaders should see to it that they impact a positive legacy to the people.
• “Riot and Remembrance: America’s Worst Riot and Its Legacy”: Segregation and Riots The list of contents of the book makes it clear from the very beginning that the structure of the book depends is based on the chronological description of the events that were the preconditions and […]
• Howard Pyle, His Students, and His Legacy In addition, by means of illustration Pyle intended to shape the content of his books for him to convey the instance of conflict of triumph and surrender contributing to the enlivenment of the social conditions […]
• The Changing Legacy of Christopher Columbus The current legacy of Columbus states that he was the first person to discover America and that he had set sail to prove that the Earth was round and hence an oceanic voyage westward would […]
• The Legacy of the Sixties This led to the formation of a loose coalition grouped under the term the New Left which was united in the struggle against racism and the Vietnam War, as well as the hippie movement which […]
• Heritage – A Sense of Belongingness Global movements like the entry of the heritage monuments in the tourism sector, and along with that interest of private companies have raised many complex issues on the ownership rights of the heritage sites, which […]
• The Legacy and Impact of Abraham Lincoln He spoke against the war and stated that God had forgotten to defend the weak and the innocent and permitted the strong band of murderers and demons from hell to kill men, women and children […]
• Ottoman Empire’s Legacy to Modern Turkey At the same time, the conservative administrative structure of the Ottoman Empire and the way of ruling the country, which was the authoritative monarchy, allowed only for the development of the already existing branches of […]
• Chinese Politics: The Maoist Era and Its Legacy There is a need to increase the wealth of China in order for it to achieve a more elevated status in the eyes of the world.
• Haiti: The Duvaliers and Their Legacy This paper seeks to understand the impact of the media on the public having a close look at Haiti and Francois Duvalier’s government.
• The Socratic Legacy or the Cynic Legacy The Socratic legacy understand that the moral life is the best life for the agent thus has the central role of linking Socrates’ intuitions of the pre-eminence of morality with the theory of uniform self-interested […]
• The Intergenerational Legacy of Trauma Generated in War-Zone Children Despite how the children are recruited into the armed force, child soldiers are victims, and their taking part in conflicts brings serious implications to their physical as well as emotional welfare. The signatories thus have […]
• British Administration’s Legacy in Hong Kong When analyzing the British legacy in Hong Kong, it will be prudent to appreciate the past British deeds in their contribution to the current state of Hong Kong, it will be equally vital to pinpoint […]
• Tourism Management of the National Parks and Heritage The National parks are credited for being major tourist attraction sites as compared to national heritage and promotion of the tourism industry as they have what the tourist wants to see, that is, the beauty […]
• John Milton Cage: Life and Creative Heritage Due to the fact that the music was supposed to create the atmosphere of a Bacchanalia, Cage attempted to adjust percussion and other music instruments to the dance and began to put metal objects on […]
• The Spanish Frontier Legacy in Southwest America The lands of the Aztecs were extremely rich in terms of gold and silver, while the Southwest failed to live up to the expectations of the Spanish.
• American History: The Legacy of the 1960s The focus on liberation and the reinforcement of the traditionally democratic values resonated with a range of American citizens, causing American society to experience a gradual change in values.
• The Second World War and Its Legacy While being spatially distanced from the military conflict that grasped the entirety of Europe at the time, the United States also experienced the drastic effects of WWII, including the tremendous number of human lives devoured […]
• Indian vs. American Cultural Heritage and Traditions Usually, the representatives of different races and nationalities enter countries that are not their native, adding diversity to the homogeneous people of that state.
• Theater Exam: American Dream and Family Legacy To start the discussion on the concept of American Dream, I would like to focus on Willy, the main character of the Death of a Salesman.
• Gaelic Folklore as Cape Breton’s Cultural Heritage In the article, The Effect of Christianity upon the British Celts, Grunke discusses the Celtic culture and the impacts of Christianity on the people from this community.
• Greek Legacy in a Contemporary Democratic State This may be one of the reasons that the application of ethics bestowed upon citizens in Ancient Greece led to its success, and to be referred to as one of the best democracies of its […]
• Tourists’ Attitude to Technology in China’s Heritage Tourism This Dissertation critically illustrates the perceptions and attitudes of tourists to the ICT implication in the practice of heritage tourism in China, the response of the tourism industry, and the factors affecting the motivation and […]
• Animation: Walt Disney’s Legacy and Characters The assumption that children are incapable of appreciating the artistry of a specific work is, however, erroneous; instead, they are often unable to express their ideas and fascination with the animation.
• Identification and Legacy of the US History This land almost doubled the area of the USA and made it one of the widest countries around the globe. This was a mission directed by President Jefferson in the year 1804 to facilitate the […]
• Cultural Heritage and the Challenge of Sustainability On the contrary, Maggie and Mama are the ones who realize that heritage is not in the price of artifacts but in the attitude to one’s present-day life.
• Clothing and Accessories’ Heritage in Saudi Arabia The aba or abaya is a piece of outer clothing that has gained the most of its popularity among the Bedouin tribes.
• Cape Breton’s Cultural Heritage: Traditions of Mi’kmaq People One of the major disadvantages of this strategy is that the fine details of the history may be altered by the narrator. The text by Caplan provides a narrative of the Mi’kmaq way of life […]
• Traditional Bedouin Aba as Saudi Arabian Heritage However, with the course of time, instead of the definition of a lifestyle, the term “Bedouin” became the determinant of an identity.
• Valletta as a Heritage Tourism Destination It is necessary to note that the city is multinational and this also contributes to a potential interest of tourists coming from different European countries.
• Museum of Jewish Heritage and Learning Experience It is also a somber realization since the hate and bigotry that caused the suffering of the Jewish people continues to exist in the world today, albeit in a different form.
• Hashima Islands as a World Heritage Site This paper includes insights into the history of the island and provides a brief analysis of the significance of the site as well as the debate on the development of the human society in general […]
• Traditions and Heritage Revival in the UAE Within the discursive context of Sakr’s article, the term ‘invention of tradition’ is best discussed as Arabic oil-states’ tendency to invest in exploring the cultural roots of its populations by the mean of encouraging architects […]
• Greek Heritage in Modern Literature and Society However, the Greeks are the people behind civilization and should be credited for the development of the art of communication, literature, and poetry.
• African Art and Lega’s People Legacy As Bravmann explains, the culture of the Lega society blends the elements of the colonial Bwamis and the elements of other African cultures: “it is through initiation into Bwami, and through the gradual movement through […]
• Jainism: The Legacy of Lord Mahavira All the same, he was a great leader who is still respected by the followers of this religion up to date.
• Counterculture Legacy on People’s Lifestyle The 1960’s are characterized by the a social movement which was called Counterculture and had a great influence on the historical, political and social events in the USA, as well as in the whole world, […]
• Management: Integrating Legacy Manufacturing Software The focus of modern manufactures on the integration of the legacy manufacturing software with the ERP system is explained with references to the fact that the result of the integration is the effective management and […]
• Christianity in the UAE: Culture and Heritage Regardless of the given fact, Thompson’s book still provides a very detailed evaluation of the relationships between the Muslims and the Christians in Dubai, as well as in the UAE in general.
• Heritage Healthcare Agency: Medical Services to Patients in Their Homes In this regard, the organization intends to improve the productivity of its employees and to reduce the cost of its services in order to make them affordable to the majority of the citizens.
• How Confucianism as the Asian American Heritage Has Been Maintained in Asian American Families The Confucian philosophy uses the concepts of training and control and love in the Chinese parenting practices, such that they are deeply involved in the lives of their children.
• World Heritage Sites: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens Currently, the building is in the process of being restored to the theme that was there in the 20th century. The Royal Exhibition Building is the building and the Carlton garden is the site in […]
• Sustainability of Heritage Tourism in Australia The purpose of the plan is to involve the government and other stakeholders, including the corporate organizations to better understand and contribute in protection and conservation of the cultural and heritage assets within the country.
• Online Marketing of Heritage Visitor Attractions in Malta Therefore, the specific objectives of this research will be: To conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature in relation to the online marketing of heritage visitor attractions To identify the current supply and demand for […]
• The Cultural Heritage of Canada: Values of Each Generation In addition, the percentage of the common law marriages is on the rise. In addition, the law favors women about the custody of children in divorce cases.
• World Heritage: The Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens Some of the objectives that were set are to conserve and protect the world heritage value of the sites, to incorporate the protection of the site into a complete planning program and to ensure that […]
• The Heritage of the Soviet Union Thus, to understand the future of these countries, it is important to consider political systems within the countries and define factors which resulted in the development of such regimes.
• Heritage Tourism and Its Peculiarities To this end, it assesses the strategic locations of the site and the importance of achieving the intended goal, which aims towards the revenue generation and culture preservation.
• Heritage Tourism: Megalithic Temples One of the major stakeholders to this tourist destination is the Heritage Malta that is greatly involved in managing the museums and sites.
• Maoist Legacy in Contemporary China Over the subsequent years, after the demise of Mao as a social legend, questions have prevailed whether the idea of social equality is practicable in the contemporary China, with evidence pointing out the reemergence of […]
• Prospect Reservoir and Surrounding Areas: An Australian National Heritage Site The History of the Aborigines and European Settlers According to the Office of Environment and Heritage [herein referred to as OEH], the area on which Prospect Reservoir sits was formerly under the control of the […]
• Cultural Tourism: Best Tourism Practices and Cultural Heritage Resources Exploitation of tourism assets for short term gains should be discouraged and all local policies should favor and benefit the local people. Government policies should therefore be formulated to conserve and protect heritage resources for […]
• The Burden of Hitler’s Legacy In his opinion, the Jews were to be blamed for Germany’s downfall in World War 1 and the subsequent peace treaty that was a source of embarrassment to the nation.
• An Economic Approach to World Heritage The culture of a given community would determine the history of such a community in terms of architectural designs of the past such as the Great Wall of China and so on.
• Our Latin Heritage Concert It is hypnotic and sensuous, with what seems like an unvarying single beat, surrounded by the swirl of a melody that stays largely in major key.
• The Experienced Touch at Heritage Christian Home The care and support for the developmentally disabled residents at Heritage Christian Home on Yorktown Road in Penfield, New York, is proving to be a jigsaw puzzle with regard to hiring of the staff to […]
• History and Heritage in Determining Present and Future History is also a tool used to establish the validity of the current beliefs or ideas held by an individual, society or section of a society and the invalidity of the ideas and beliefs held […]
• Nixon’s Legacy, Reaganomics The media was influenced by the aftermath of the Watergate scandal as it gained confidence and a more aggressive approach to investigating and unraveling of scandals in the government in an attempt to facilitate transparency […]
• Mid-City at the Crossroads: Shaw Heritage Trail Washington, DC is the place where it is always interesting to be, to listen to other people conversions, and to enjoy the sights offered to the tourists, and Neighborhood Heritage Trails provides people with a […]
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 28). 131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/heritage-essay-topics/

"131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 28 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/heritage-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 28 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/heritage-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/heritage-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "131 Heritage Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/heritage-essay-topics/.

• Archaeology Research Ideas
• Cultural Identity Research Topics
• Modern History Topics
• Indian Culture Essay Ideas
• Mozart Essay Ideas
• Self-Awareness Research Topics
• World History Topics
• Ronald Reagan Topics
• John F. Kennedy Questions
• Artists Research Ideas
• Celtic Civilization Ideas
• British Empire Ideas
• George Washington Essay Titles
• Legacy Topics
• African American History Essay Ideas

National Heritage Day in South Africa: What is Heritage Day and Why Do We Celebrate It

Sep 13, 2021 | News , South Africa

First published in September 2019, updated in September 2021.

September is Heritage Month in South Africa, with  National Heritage Day celebrated on 24 September

Each year in early spring, people across the nation get together to eat, drink and be merry, celebrating what makes us all uniquely South African.

Heritage Day was declared a public holiday in 1996 and, since then, the 24th of September has been a day that encourages us to celebrate our cultural traditions, communities and heritage.

In the following post, we discuss South Africa’s Heritage Day; how it began, the connection to braais and how you can celebrate this year.

What is Heritage Day?

Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September in South Africa that recognises and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country. In its essence, the day embraces and celebrates the true meaning of why we call ourselves the Rainbow Nation.

South Africans mark the day by wearing traditional outfits, eating traditional foods, learning about different cultures and spending time with friends and family.

The History of Heritage Day in South Africa

The 24th of September marks ‘Shaka Day’ or ‘Shaka’s Day’, a day which commemorates the legendary King Shaka Zulu. Shaka Zulu played an important role in uniting different Zulu clans into one cohesive Zulu nation in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Each year, thousands of people gather at King Shaka’s grave to pay tribute to him and to honour his memory.

To learn more about the history, life and legend of King Shaka Zulu, the Anglo Zulu war and Zulu culture, book either the:

• KwaZulu-Natal Shakaland Zulu Village Tour
• Half-Day Soweto Tour
• PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour
• Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift Battlefields Tour
• Robben Island Half-Day Tour

You can also learn more about King Shaka in the book Shaka Zulu: The Biography of the Founder of the Zulu Nation by E.A. Ritter .

When the New South African Parliament omitted Shaka Day from the proposed Public Holidays Bill, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected.

Eventually, a compromise was reached, and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.

In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, the late former State President Nelson Mandela said, “When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.”

We did so, knowing that the struggles against the injustice and inequities of the past are part of our national identity; they are part of our culture. We knew that, if indeed our nation had to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of division and conflict, we had to acknowledge those whose selfless efforts and talents were dedicated to this goal of non-racial democracy.

In more recent years, National Heritage Day has become synonymous with National Braai (Barbecue) Day . Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa , while others call it a braai , but whatever the occasion, nothing beats gathering around a wood fire to cook a meal and celebrate together.

Why Do We Braai on Heritage Day?

There is nothing more South African than lighting a fire and cooking a meal, and it’s something that crosses racial, cultural, religious and social boundaries. The National Braai Day in South Africa was developed by Stellenbosch native, Jan Scannell – more commonly known as ‘Jan Braai’ – who quit his job in finance in 2005 to focus on the National Braai Day Initiative.

Just like the Irish have St Patrick’s Day, the French have Bastille Day and Australians have Australia Day, National Braai Day calls on all South Africans to unite around fires and share and celebrate our unique culture and heritage.

In 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu became patron of South Africa’s Braai Day, backing the idea that donning an apron to braai a boerewors (farm sausage) could be a unifying force in a country that had been previously divided. The following year, the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa’s National Heritage Council. It couldn’t be a more apt way to bring a rich and culturally diverse nation such as South Africa together in unity, because what good South African doesn’t love a braai?

How You Can Celebrate Heritage Day

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate South Africa. Here are six ways to enjoy this year’s Heritage Day. 

• Join chef Annie Badenhorst at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in Hermanus for their Heritage Day Braai on 24 September at 12pm. Guests can select either a delicious gourmet braai picnic basket, or share a flavourful braai platter. There will also be live music and great South African vibes.
• Celebrate with the Vrede en Lust Heritage Day Box which includes a selection of wines, traditional spices and condiments. It’s a great box to gift to friends or purchase for your own Heritage Day picnic or braai.
• Cape Town is known for its delectable traditional dishes, so why not learn how to make them. Spend Heritage Day by booking a cooking class to learn some of the local favourites such as koeksisters, braaivleis and gatsby. One of our personal favourites is the Cape Malay style cooking classes offered in the historic area of Bo-Kaap. Some of our favourite cooking classes are from Lekka Kombuis and Ginger and Lime . 
• Visit one of CapeNature’s 22 nature reserves in the Western Cape for free. Visitors to CapeNature can enjoy a free day entry to explore their natural heritage at selected reserve destinations from 13 to 20 September.
• Join a Heritage Day scenic cruise around the Durban Harbour. The cruise includes starters, a photoshoot, complimentary bottle of champagne (2 bottles per table of 10 people) and lunch.
• Discover the magic of Freedom Park in Pretoria with free entry on 24 September 2021. 

How to Celebrate Your Own South African Heritage Day Anywhere in the World

If you’re not in South Africa, you can still celebrate a South African Heritage Day by hosting your own braai (or barbecue).

Here are a few essentials to get your National Braai Day celebration going:

• Charcoal  
• A braai apron
• A complete grill tool set
• The Democratic Republic of Braai by Jan Braai recipe book
• A South African flag for decoration
• Ina Paarman’s Braai & Grill Seasoning to add some flavour to your meat (or vegetables)
• Your preferred selection of meat, vegetables, salads, bread and condiments

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate National Heritage Day, enjoy it with friends and family, wave the South African flag proudly, and remember your heritage and the place it holds in South Africa’s multicultural landscape.

Read about the other important public holidays in South Africa:

• What is Human Rights Day and Why We Celebrate on March 21
• What is Freedom Day in South Africa and Why Do We Celebrate It
• Why We Celebrate Youth Day on 16 June
• Why We Celebrate Women’s Day on August 9th

While not a public holiday, here’s how you can celebrate Mandela Day on 18 July .

Join our newsletter!

Sign up for travel tips and news from Africa delivered straight to your inbox! We won't send you spam or boring emails, we promise!

Thank you! Please check your inbox for a confirmation mail.

By joining our list, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy .

13 Comments

Nice information

Thank you! 🙂

[email protected]

whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat

Letitia thanks for informative and helpful information

What is the name and surname of the person who published all this Information am doing a school project about heritage please reply

Nice to read your blog!

Thanks 😊, now I know about 24 September

Yo u colll bro ur my step bro 😍🤞🏽

This is one of the best posts I have ever came across. Today we celebrate Heritage day “online” as a corporate company and guess what ? I will be using some of YOUR information to share with our special people ! I have learned so much in 7 to 8 of your first sentences ! Brilliant – what a lovely layout and professional, yet super light and great for culture day celebrations! Happy Heritage day and have a wonderful “BRAAI” !!!! … en melktert !

Thank you so much Vicky! We’re delighted that you found the post valuable. Have a lekker Heritage Day! 🙂

Thank you. I’m grateful. My brother’s assignment benefited much from it, and I also picked up some new knowledge.

This is wonderful

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• My 6 favourite things about this Heritage Day weekend - Brat with a Blog - […] Thursday it was Heritage Day in South Africa. Heritage Day is a public holiday, so like many others Mr…
• Celebrate Heritage Day 2020  | Show National Pride This Heritage Day - […] African Travel Compass states that September 24th was originally Shaka Day. A day that commemorated the great Zulu king Shaka…
• 5 Historical sites you can visit this Heritage Day - Entertainment SA - […] Main Image: africantravel […]
• Heritage Month & Day - Leads 2 Business Blog - […] African Travel Canvas SA History National […]
• Braai, friends and pickled kumquats - Kriya Gangiah shares her take on Heritage Day - samachar24live.com - […] पहले ‘शाका दिवस’ कहा जाता था, 24 सितंबर महान राजा शाका ज़ुलु की याद दिलाता है, जो “क्वाज़ुलु-नताल में…

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

• Africa’s Big Five and Where You Can View Them March 7, 2024
• The 5 Most Endangered Animals in Africa | Rare African Animals February 6, 2024
• What to Wear on Safari in Southern Africa Packing Guide & Tips January 16, 2024
• The Top 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Cape Town November 20, 2023
• Top 10 Activities You Can Do on a Beach and Island Vacation in Southern Africa November 12, 2023

Pin It on Pinterest

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Heritage in contemporary grade 10 South African history textbooks: A case study

2012, Masters Dissertation in History Education

Related Papers

Yesterday&Today No 10

Dr Raymond Nkwenti Fru

Yesterday and Today

Johan Wassermann

Southern African journal of environmental education

Cryton Zazu

This conceptual paper is based on experiences and insights which have emerged from my quest to develop a conceptual framework for working with the term 'heritage' within an education for sustainable development study that I am currently conducting. Of specific interest to me, and having potential to improve the relevance and quality of heritage education in southern Africa, given the region's inherent cultural diversity and colonial history, is the need for 'heritage construct inclusivity' within the processes constituting heritage education practices. Working around this broad research goal, I therefore needed to be clear about what I mean or refer to as heritage. I realised, however, how elusive and conceptually problematic the term 'heritage' is. I therefore, drawing from literature and experiences gained during field observations and focus group interviews, came up with the idea of working with three viewpoints of heritage. Drawing on real life cases ...

Alta Engelbrecht

This article focuses on the analysis of three textbooks that are based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), a revised curriculum from the National Curriculum Statement which was implemented in 2008. The article uses one element of a historical thinking framework, the analysis of primary sources, to evaluate the textbooks. In the analysis of primary sources the three heuristics distilled by Wineburg (2001) such as sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing are used to evaluate the utilisation of the primary sources in the three textbooks. According to the findings of this article, the writing of the three textbooks is still framed in an outdated mode of textbooks' writing in a dominant narrative style, influenced by Ranke's scientific paradigm or realism. The three textbooks have many primary sources that are poorly contextualized and which inhibit the implementation of sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing heuristics. Although, some primary sources are contextualized, source-based questions are not reflecting most of the elements of sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing heuristics. Instead, they are mostly focused on the information on the source which is influenced by the authors' conventional epistemological beliefs about school history as a compendium of facts. This poor contextualization of sources impacted negatively on the analysis of primary sources by learners as part and parcel of " doing history " in the classroom.

abram mothiba

School history textbooks are seen to embody ideological messages about whose history is important, as they aim both to develop an 'ideal' citizen and teach the subject of history. Since the 1940s, when the first study was done, there have been studies of South African history textbooks that have analysed different aspects of textbooks. These studies often happen at a time of political change (for example, after South Africa became a republic in 1961 or post-apartheid) which often coincides with a time of curriculum change. This article provides an overview of all the studies of South African history textbooks since the 1940s. We compiled a data base of all studies conducted on history textbooks, including post graduate dissertations, published journal articles, books and book chapters. This article firstly provides a broad overview of all the peer-reviewed studies, noting in particular how the number of studies has increased since 2000. The second section then engages in a more detailed analysis of the studies that did content analysis of textbooks. We compare how each study has engaged with the following issues: the object of study, the methodological approach, the sample of textbooks and the theoretical or philosophical orientation. The aim is to provide a broad picture of the state of textbook analysis studies over the past 75 years, and to build up a database of these studies so as to provide an overview of the nature of history textbook research in South Africa.

Pranitha Bharath

The Southern African Journal of Environmental Education

Felisa Tibbitts

RELATED PAPERS

Frontiers in physiology

Roberto Domínguez

2010 7th International Conference on Electrical Engineering Computing Science and Automatic Control

Pavel Vorobiev

Animal Agricultural Journal

The 2006 Military Takeover in Fiji: A Coup to End All Coups?

Stewart Firth

Mahmoud Ali

Paediatrics & Child Health

Theresa Tam

Magdolna Pákáski

Bulletin of Education and Research

Khurram Gulzar

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Fotini Ampatzidou

Computer Physics Communications

Matthias Kerner

International Journal of Food Science

Rachmad Gunadi

Cultural-Historical Psychology

Maria Serena Veggetti

Addictive Behaviors

Mary Larimer

Estudos de Religião

Isabelle Fabre

José Luis Cuesta Gómez

Carbohydrate Research

Jose REQUEJO

American Journal of Transplantation

David Mulligan

American Ethnologist

Lenore Manderson

Social Science Research Network

John Seater

Journal of Turkish Studies

meral kuzgun

Journal of Value Inquiry

Record and Library Journal

badrus zaman

Samuel Fernández-Pichel

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Students celebrate National History Day at ND Heritage Center

VOD Recording

ND Today: Dakota Garden Expo

ND Today: Permanent Jewelry

ND Today: Shoes for Spring

KMOT - First News at Ten - Sportscast 4/18/2024

KFYR - First News at Ten - Sportscast 4/18/2024

Tauros Time: Minot prepares for first round series against Austin

Tallahassee woman accused of using at least 11 dead people’s names on petition forms, arrest papers say

Jill president, 33, was arrested thursday for allegedly committing election petition fraud.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - A Tallahassee woman is behind bars after being accused of committing election petition fraud. That’s according to the affidavit for her arrest.

Jill President, 33, was arrested Thursday. Arrest papers revealed she faces 22 counts related to petition fraud - 11 counts of criminal use of personal identification information concerning a deceased individual and 11 counts of submission of false voter registration information.

Arrest papers alleged that in 2022, President submitted more than 1,100 invalid petitions to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office. Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators confirmed she used the identities of at least 11 dead people on the forms.

Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley released a statement to WCTV Friday about President’s arrest:

At the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office, we are committed to catching and preventing election fraud. We identified potentially fraudulent activity with Ms. President’s role as a petition circulator in Leon County. The overwhelming majority of the petitions submitted by her were rejected for numerous reasons, including potentially fraudulent activity. After completing our initial investigation, we submitted an elections fraud complaint to the State Attorney’s Office and the Office of Election Crimes and Security for further investigation and potential prosecution. Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley

Just two weeks ago, WCTV reported that another woman, Krisharia Williams of Quincy, faces similar charges:

Williams is accused of submitting hundreds of invalid ballot petition forms to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office, according to her arrest papers. She allegedly signed signatures for two dead people.

The two women, President and Williams, worked for the same company, Grassfire LLC, arrest papers revealed. The two were collecting signatures for the same ballot amendment called “Limited Authorization of Casino Gaming.” That’s according to both of their arrest paper.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook and X ( Twitter ).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Write us here . Please include the article's headline in your message.

Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WCTV News app. Click here to download it now.

Copyright 2024 WCTV. All rights reserved.

Woman accused of shooting husband after catching him cheating on her, police say

Funeral arrangements announced for late Bob Graham, former Gov. will lie in state

New TPD headquarters now expected to be completed in 2026, costs increase

Body found in clothing donation box, investigation underway

Grammy winner and former ‘American Idol’ contestant Mandisa dies at 47

Latest news.

Road closures announced ahead of Chain of Parks Art Festival this weekend

Furry Friday: Meet Casey

Quincy woman accused of committing election petition fraud, faces 22 felony counts