About Heritage Day (South Africa)
Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated every September 24, set aside for South Africans to honour the cultural wealth of their "rainbow nation" — its many languages, traditions, beliefs and histories. Introduced after the end of apartheid in 1995, the day encourages people to celebrate both their own heritage and the diversity that binds the country together, and to remember the long struggle for freedom and equality.
In KwaZulu-Natal the date was long observed as Shaka Day, in memory of the Zulu King Shaka, and that history was woven into the new national holiday. In recent years Heritage Day has also become popularly known as National Braai Day, after a campaign encouraging South Africans of every background to gather around a braai — a barbecue — as a shared, unifying tradition. Communities mark the day with music, dance, traditional dress and food festivals.
Heritage Day falls on September 24 each year; if it lands on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday. The date is fixed, so the countdown above always points to the next Heritage Day. Whether you plan a braai, a cultural event or a family gathering, add Heritage Day to your own countdown page and watch the days tick down.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Thursday, September 24, 2026next |
| 2027 | Friday, September 24, 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, September 24, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, September 24, 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, September 24, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Heritage Day in South Africa?
Heritage Day is held on September 24 every year. If it falls on a Sunday, the Monday after is observed as a public holiday. The countdown above tracks the next one.
Why is Heritage Day celebrated?
It encourages South Africans to celebrate and respect the diverse cultures, languages and traditions of the "rainbow nation" and to remember their shared struggle against apartheid.
How is Heritage Day celebrated?
With cultural festivals, music, dance and traditional dress and food — and very widely with a braai (barbecue), since the day is also popularly known as National Braai Day.
Why is Heritage Day called Braai Day?
A campaign launched in the 2000s encouraged all South Africans to share a braai on September 24 as a common, unifying tradition; the National Heritage Council endorsed the idea in 2008.