From its incredible diversity of cultures and languages to its breathtaking natural landscapes and seriously good food, South Africa is a country with plenty to celebrate this Heritage Day.
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As South Africans celebrate Heritage Day, local personalities Carol Ofori and Wiseman Mncube are sharing some of the things they love most about calling South Africa home.
Wiseman Mncube
For Wiseman Mncube, South Africa’s natural beauty is one of the country’s greatest treasures, and if there’s a waterfall involved, even better.
“I love how beautiful this country is,” says Wiseman. “Anywhere with a waterfall is my happy place. There’s something about being near a waterfall that makes me feel relaxed.”
For Wiseman, spending time in nature is about more than simply enjoying the scenery. It allows him to slow down, reflect and reconnect with himself.
“I pray, I meditate, and I just take a moment to find myself again,” the Tropika Island of Treasure celebrity contestant says. “Being somewhere with a waterfall, sitting under the water and letting it run over me is incredibly calming. It gives me a chance to switch off, relax and just be present.”
Home to countless waterfalls, mountains, forests and other natural spaces, Wiseman says South Africa’s beauty provides the perfect backdrop for moments of peace and reflection.
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Carol Ofori
For radio and television personality Carol Ofori, one of the things that makes South Africa particularly special is its unique approach to celebrating heritage. She loves that Heritage Day creates space for people from different backgrounds to celebrate who they are and the cultures that have shaped them.
That diversity is reflected not only in the country’s people and languages, but also in its food.
“I think South Africa is so dynamic. It’s a real flex to live in this country and to be part of this community that recognises 12 official languages, including Sign Language. What other country in the world does that? One of my favourite things about being South African is the amount of incredible food we get from our mixed heritage,” she says.
“You can go to a braai and have some delicious meat and pap and milk tart for dessert, or enjoy vetkoek, amagwinya or many other incredible dishes. Our food is so beautifully colourful, and it speaks to people across the world, and it’s all here in South Africa.”
Featured image: Instagram/@_emmy.photography
Also see: Creative ways to celebrate Heritage Day at the office or school
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