A Time for Connecting

Folding away our accents, ironing out our curls, packing away our authentic selves. Sometimes it is the parts of ourselves, our histories, her-stories – individual and collective – that are left in the margins or stored in the libraries, or in our lands of birth, perhaps even in our dreams.

Those books that are often not read need to be opened, those stories untold need to be spoken, those dreams forgotten need to be remembered. Heritage is about the different traditions, monuments, objects, and culture(s) that have been consciously and unconsciously passed on from generation to generation. It is the old things, the old names that connect a person to their gogo or their oupa. That every time oupa’s name is said in the present it brings umkhulu back to life. Name your children well as these names carry meanings and stories.

I must say that on my part I have never had to think deeply about Heritage Day though I do work very consciously and deeply in the space of heritage and storytelling. Heritage Day was previously Shaka Day in our country, where every year some South Africans would gather at his grave to honour him. Perhaps that is still the same for some and maybe it has changed for others, as it is now a collective day of remembering and celebrating, celebrating both our individual identities and collective identities.

For others it is simply braai day, where people are having fun in multiple ways. Yet we also know what fires do: they often elicit warmth, connection and storytelling. Whether you are dressed in your heritage clothing, rugby t-shirt, soccer t-shirt or just as yourself, what stories will you be telling near the fire this year? What names will be remembered, what dreams will be shared?