Heritage Day is one of the most exciting days on the South African calendar, not only because it is a public holiday, but because it is a public holiday that highlights the the rich cultural diversity in the country. It is a day where our differences bring us together, to celebrate, appreciate, and remember the lives and traditions of those who walked the earth before we did.
The day itself is one with a rich history in itself, as it was initially known as Shaka Day, to commemorate Shaka Zulu, who was the King of the Zulu nation. The holiday was officially included in the Public Holidays Bill after a compromise between the ANC and parliament after the IFP objected to the Bill which excluded the holiday we celebrate today.
Over the years, South Africans have found new, innovative, and fun ways to commemorate this day, and with traditional clothes being a big part of South African culture, fashion has become an exciting element of the holiday as people have found creative ways to style their traditional attire.
Our celebrities showed up and showed off with their interpretations of their respective cultures’ attire, giving everything that it is supposed to, and we have selected our 3 favourite looks from the many we’ve seen.
Shauwn Mkhize
Anyone who knows Shauwn Mkhize knows her love drama, and this year’s ensemble is a testament to that. The socialite and businesswoman sported a vibrant beaded gown, accompanied by a red cape which appears to be giving a nod to the Zulu culture, as she styles the ensemble with a matching ‘scholo’ which is a traditional headpiece meant to be worn by married women.
View this post on Instagram
Lesego and Bonko Khoza
We love a little matching moment, and a traditional matching moment is even sweeter. ‘The Wife’ actor Bonko and his wife dressed up in their modern take on the Setswana traditional attire.
View this post on Instagram
Armando and Phindile Gwala-Ngandu
Muvhango actress Phindile Gwala-Ngandu decided to go the super traditional route with the full Zulu attire, except her ‘isidwaba,’ which is a traditional pleated skirt made of animal flesh, reserved solely for married women. She opted for a bright yellow skirt instead, to match the beads that covered her whole body. Her husband, Armando stood beside her, matching her fly, with his own Zulu attire, making him look like a tall, dark and handsome Zulu warrior.
View this post on Instagram
