While braais and waving the flag is all well and good, serious questions need to be asked about what it means to be South African Photo Office Holidays
South Africa – With South Africa suffering as a nation, the difficulties it currently is facing, What does it mean to be South African and are we proud to be called a South African?
Heritage Day, observed on the 24th of September, holds great importance in South Africa as a day dedicated to honouring the nation’s rich tapestry of cultures and identities. This occasion serves as a moment for collective reflection on our history, the present, and aspirations for a harmonious future as a unified nation.
South Africa is a nation with a complex history. Its people have diverse origins, from the Afrikaners who descended from predominantly Dutch settlers first arriving at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652 to the indigenous populations who have faced centuries of colonial influence. As Hassen Lorgat, social activist, pointed out, understanding our shared history is essential. The challenge is how we relate to this history and build a united future.
South Africa: Beyond sports and symbols
Heritage Day often sees South Africans rallying around sports events or symbolic gestures. During the weekend, the nation came together to support the Springboks as they took on and unfortunately lost to Ireland at the Rugby World Cup. While these are important aspects of national identity, they are relatively narrow in scope. Lorgat raises a crucial question: Shouldn’t our focus also be on broader issues, such as providing jobs and dignity for all, addressing health disparities, and advocating for international justice?
“I think there is a need to have a discussion about what we are as a nation. What is the space that we occupy as a nation, how can we make it better for the poorest, not the rich? We need to have the discussion.I think there’s some value during these days to have a discussion but not to conclude the matter.”
How and what does it mean to be South African
It is these questions which have been left unanswered which have made citizens like Tshudi feel less than proud about being South African.
“It feels like more is supposed to be done to feel like a proud South African, it feels like one big disjointed family trying to reconcile and finally share one meal at the table. I don’t necessarily feel pride in any sense. It doesn’t bring me joy knowing we have thieves in leadership positions.”
For individuals like Raadhiya, there are aspects of this nation that stir a deep sense of pride in being a South African. This is a land forged through unwavering determination, resilience, and sacrifice. A country that secured its hard-fought freedom through the bravery of those who dared to stand up for liberty.
“To me, it means coming from bloodlines that have sacrificed a lot to be here today, free and equal in a democratic society that upholds ideas of fairness, culture, unity and diversity. To me being South African is not just a part of my identity, it IS my identity because it’s what I stand for proudly and it’s something I can honour, and uphold with belief and integrity. Yes, it can come with shaming. It means waking up everyday and making sure that I get to better my country, the people in it and practise the values it holds. Being South African to me, means giving and not taking- in education, in food, in skills, knowledge, betterness and kindness. To me being South African is who I am and being able to live in this environment makes me proudly South African with millions of others and coming together to celebrate our commonalities through love, freedom and respect.”
This profound sense of pride and fervour for one’s South African identity isn’t confined to those residing within the nation’s borders. Even among South African expatriates like Haley Reichert, who currently resides in London, there exists an unwavering passion for the country. However, it wasn’t always like this. Her initial outlook on South Africa was somewhat sceptical, mirroring the concerns that many young South Africans have today.
“Never in a million years would I have thought that I would have ended up being this proud, passionate South African. It was through moving over here and connecting with my fellow South Africans over here, getting involved with charity, community and political initiatives, that has kind of driven me. For the past decade I have been very involved with the global South African community and helped tens of thousands South Africans around the world. My day job is being a mortgage and protection advisor, but my heart is fully invested in South Africa.”
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A complex relationship with South Africa
Living abroad exposed Reichert to a different perspective on South Africa. While they remain emotionally connected to the country, they also see it through the global lens. While she is passionate about the country, Reichert also understands why many South Africans feel hopeless. Many South Africans living abroad often feel helpless. They watch their country grapple with issues like corruption and political turmoil from a distance hoping for change.
“I think a lot of South Africans, especially those who don’t have a ticket out of the country … It’s very much a case of putting your head down and just surviving. There’s a lot of South Africans living abroad and even some of those who’ve had bad experiences in South Africa … They still have that deep longing and that deep sense of wanting South Africa to change, wanting to overcome all the challenges. There are so many who, if they see South Africa turn a corner, want to move home … People love the country a lot. People want to see change in the country.”
One of Reichert’s key missions is to encourage South Africans abroad to become politically engaged. She acknowledges that many South Africans are disillusioned with the current leadership and government but are uncertain about viable alternatives. With elections on the horizon, her efforts aim to bridge this gap.
Educate, empower, inspire
In her work, Reichert follows the mantra of “educate, empower, inspire.” She believes that these three steps are essential in effecting meaningful change. By educating people about various issues, she empowers them to take action, whether by voting, contributing, or volunteering.
This is something Lorgat believes in as well. For meaningful change to occur, to build a strong nation, the country needs to be educated and that starts from educating the youth.
“Our public education systems work very unequally. You could be stuck in a poor school and you’ll never be discovered as a person who could be the scientist of tomorrow. These kids have to do so much to be discovered as having an innate talent as many of them have because they don’t have the opportunities to have a good meal even at this day and age. We need to think, should there be a national quality early childhood education? Should there be school meals that are provided that make sure that all our traditions and cultures are respected?”
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A call to action, a call for change
Reichert’s recent visit to South Africa offered her a novel perspective as an expatriate, allowing her to see her homeland with fresh eyes, unburdened by daily media and political narratives. She recognised the country’s economic disparities and corruption but also observed resilience, thriving businesses, and everyday life. Her journey ventured into less affluent townships, unveiling the stark realities of poverty and inequality. Reichert stressed that celebrating South African heritage should entail more than superficial cultural appreciation; it should involve a dedicated commitment to addressing the profound challenges that persist in the nation.
Reichert urged her fellow South Africans, both at home and abroad, to move beyond frustration and cynicism. She called for a collective response, emphasising that waiting for political change alone isn’t sufficient. She believes that individuals must actively engage, demand accountability, and participate in driving positive transformation.
“It is important to remind ourselves we are better than the current situation. It’s about embracing our differences, unity and diversity. We need to remind ourselves that we have this amazing thing called Ubuntu which we are known for. So celebrating our diversity and celebrating our South Africaness is incredibly important. For me, it’s a case of we have to turn that hope into belief and in doing that we have to act on it. We all have to be doing something every day, every week, every month to drive South Africa towards the country that we wanted to be in. That we know that it can be.”
Heritage Day is not just a day to wave flags or watch sports; it’s an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, address our current challenges, and foster unity and justice for the future. It’s about the conversations we have with one another. Engage with people from diverse backgrounds, listen to their stories, and learn from their experiences. Reichert’s journey as a South African expatriate offers valuable insights into the resilience, hope, and commitment of the South African diaspora. It is a reminder that love for one’s homeland transcends borders, and the desire to see it thrive remains undeterred. As South Africans celebrate their heritage, her message resonates—a call to action, unity, and active participation in building the South Africa they envision.
