Braais, biltong, and belonging: Your Heritage Day checklist

South Africa celebrates Heritage Day in September, a day to commemorate the things that make home feel like home. The food, music, people, places, family traditions, and braai are all part of this celebration. The finalists of the 2026 Mrs South Africa pageant were asked about the items they would include on their personal Heritage Day checklist, and their answers varied from family meals and favorite songs to visiting national parks and teaching their children valuable lessons.

For Angelique Janse van Rensburg, heritage is closely tied to the people around her and the feeling of coming home. Meghan Cyster also emphasized the importance of gathering around the family table. Braai, or barbecue, is a key part of Heritage Day, and the finalists had various suggestions for what to grill, including boerewors, rib-eye steak, chops, braaibroodjies, potato salad, pap, and pampoenkoekies.

The soundtrack for a South African heritage celebration is not limited to a single song or tradition. The finalists mentioned the South African National Anthem, Sister Bethina, and the sound of a guinea fowl as components of their musical playlists. To capture the essence of South African culture, the finalists advised adding a South African classic to the playlist, trying a new dish, learning or teaching someone from a different generation or culture, and having a family debate on who makes the best...

Pets play a significant role in many South African households, often treated like children. Angelique's dogs and Meghan's cats are examples of the ways pets are integrated into family gatherings. The finalists suggested giving pets their own safe space during festivities, keeping human treats off the pet menu, taking a family-and-pet photo, and ensuring everyone gets a turn to sit on the couch.

Heritage Day is about celebrating the big traditions and the ordinary things we do together, making it a day to cherish and embrace the unique aspects of being South African.