South Africa is a Rainbow Nation due to its diverse and multicultural society. Also colloquially known as the land of milk and honey, South Africa is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and ethnicities as the country’s population comprises various ethnic groups.
Heritage Day, September 22, commemorates this rich culture and these celebrations are ongoing throughout the month coinciding with Tourism Month celebrations.
Though our democracy may be young, we have a rich timeline of history waiting to be celebrated.
This history has forged the country we know today regardless of our DNA. Each place you go has a story to tell and heritage to be celebrated, so here’s where you can go to commemorate our rich heritage.
The ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom at Mapungwe National Park
Mapungubwe National Park is a national park in the Limpopo Province and a World Heritage Site.
The park protects the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, one of the oldest known civilisations in the country. Mapungubwe National Park is renowned for its scenic landscape, with sandstone formations, woodlands, riverine forest, baobab trees as well as the wildlife along the Limpopo River.
The Mapungubwe Hill was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age and evidence has shown that it was a prosperous community.
It is also where archaeologists uncovered the famous Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe figurine from the site. This visit is perfect for those looking to learn about South Africa’s heritage coupled with a safari experience.
The park is managed by South African National Parks and also has a museum and interpretation centre.
Dive into San Rock art at KwaXolo Caves
Art, culture and history combine in the unmissable KwaXolo Caves. Though the KZN South Coast is famed for its beaches and coastal activities, it is also teeming with local history found in KwaXolo, near Margate on the KZN South Coast.
The newly discovered range of caves in the mountains has preserved San cave paintings that are over 100 000 years old.
The caves were previously inaccessible to the public, however, through dedication and a commitment to cultural history, visitors can finally see this stunning piece of African history.
These partially opened rock shelves served as shelters for San tribes that lived out in the area all that time ago. It is believed that the sites held specific significance to the San people, which is expressed through the art found there.
The paintings tell the rich story of culture and heritage, some of which have been carried through into the local cultures of the people living in and around the area today. The paintings also provide a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the San people.
Visitors are led by a tourist guide along a steel cable-and-rung via the Ferrata system to the caves. New upgrades include a high wire bridge, a 1km long zipline and a walkway bridge.
Visit the Bokaap and experience Cape Malay Culture
Colourful Bo-Kaap has a fascinating history and unique culture just begging to be explored.
Tucked away under the slopes of Signal Hill, this suburb formerly known as the Malay Quarter, is a bright and vibrant neighbourhood with a rich Cape Malay culture and roots as old as Cape Town itself.
Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap Museum, set just outside the city centre, is the place to visit to learn about the resident Islamic community, its history and culture. After your visit, take a walk along the cobbled streets and discover more.
The Bo-Kaap Museum, which showcases South Africa’s Islamic heritage in the cheerful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of multi-coloured houses, was established centuries back by freed slaves, many of whom hailed from Southeast Asia.
These former slaves became known as the Cape Malay, and it’s believed that they were instrumental in the formation of the Afrikaans language, a version of Dutch simplified for easier communication between the Dutch settlers and workers.
Commemorate Indian heritage at 1860 Heritage Centre: Indian indenture Museum
The 1860 Heritage Centre is a unique museum that is dedicated to the pioneers who journeyed from India to South Africa between 1860 and 1911.
This Centre is a proud testimony to their willpower, desire, and sacrifice, which led to the creation of a new community in a foreign land.
It is located in the heart of Durban and is easily accessible to visitors and also serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the struggles of those who gave up the familiar for the unknown, and their contribution to forging an economy, an identity, and a proud legacy of human triumph in the face of adversity.
Visitors to the 1860 Heritage Centre can explore a range of exhibits showcasing South Africa’s diverse history.
These exhibits include the permanent exhibition, “The Story of Indenture 1860 -1911”, which explores the struggles and sacrifices of South Africa’s forefathers in search of a better life.
In the MGL wing, guests can learn about Nobel Peace Prize winners Nelson Mandela, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli.
The Artefacts Room offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of socio-cultural identity, while the Curries exhibit explores the legacy of sports, identity, and politics.
Finally, the Indenture to Democracy reception room highlights a timeline history of the Centre and outlines its vision for the future.
Gold mining history tour in Johannesburg
There’s a valid reason for Johannesburg being called Egoli, meaning City of Gold, as South Africa’s history, and more specifically Johannesburg’s history, is intricately linked to gold and mining.
The Witwatersrand area had the largest gold resources in the world, which is why South Africa is one of the world leaders in gold mining. The 1800s saw the start of South Africa’s gold rush and forever changed the course of the country’s history and heritage.
Johannesburg is South Africa’s richest and busiest city – its establishment is a direct result of the gold rush and the influx of people it brought with it.
The late 1800s saw people from all corners of South Africa and the world make their way to this place, in search of untold riches lurking beneath the earth.
One of the first gold mines was the Kromdraai mine, which was initially a farm. In 1881 gold was first found on the farm, and in 1885 it was officially proclaimed a mine.
Consider a visit to the Kromdraai gold mine, located 7km from Sterkfontein in the centre of the Cradle of Humankind, and get an unparalleled view of old mining methods.
Visitors enter the old workings through a large opening in the side of the hill, and a short walk down the cocopan tracks through roughly worked tunnels and into the heart of the mountain, where you will marvel at the conditions that people had to endure while extracting the gold ore.