The best of Heritage Day gatherings around Johannesburg

After the successful (almost) inauguration that took place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria last year, Gauteng makes a second attempt at beating a record that was set by Japan in 2023.

The Asian country assembled 2,220 people to secure a spot in the Guinness Book of Records. The World’s Biggest Braai attracted a higher number, but because the “braai masters” were unable to adhere to the requirement of remaining at their allocated braai station for the full duration of the official attempt, Japan retained its record.

To be honest, the meat-loving people of Mzansi cannot be contained and because this is a cultural movement with music and live entertainment, of course we will leave our stations to remind the world why our dance challenges are the best.

• Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
• Cost: R255, under 12 years R205 on Howler.

If you’re in the West Rand and can’t make it to Pretoria, this doesn’t mean you are prohibited from indulging your carnivorous side.

This family-friendly gathering’s featured traditional South African braai buffet will deal with your anger faster than the speed of Shaun de Jager.

Adults wash their braai down with the acoustic entertainment outfit Twisted LIVE, but don’t let the children run off into the jumping castle and an active waterslide before they finish their food.

• Where: Ruimsig Country Club

• Cost: Free entry to the event but the food comes at a cost.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been part of Africa’s musical calendar for nearly three decades, and in the spirit of innovation, this year they bring the inaugural Free the Jazz event.

The rendezvous for jazz aficionados and music lovers in general is the Sandton City Rooftop where the next generation of independent jazz artists shares the stage with some of the maestros whose names are synonymous with the genre.

This new jazz era will be ushered in by veterans The Brother Moves On, rising star Bokang Ramatlapeng, Kids Love Jazz, DJ Castro and many others.

• Where: Sandton City Rooftop
• Cost: Free of charge but you still need to book on Quicket.

Whoever initiated the Sip and Paint started a movement because Constitution Hill, one of the most iconic heritage sites in this city, combines music and art in a spin-off of the original set-up for the people of Johannesburg to trace back their heritage while channelling their inner Ephraim Ngatane, Judith Mason, Helen Sebidi, William Kentridge and many others who shaped the art of painting.

The people will celebrate through music and a heritage exploration, and there are few venues that come close to Con Hill when one is serious about exploring South Africa’s heritage.

• Where: Constitution Hill, Braamfontein
• Cost: Free entrance but space is limited, book on Webtickets.

There’s no South African Heritage without street food, and the national favourite that is the kota, which is called a sphatlho in Pretoria, is an important delicacy that has raised generations.

Whether you’re suffering from “morning after the night before” effects, have just returned from school and are in no mood to cook or are the unfortunate victim of load-shedding, a sphatlho is the perfect meal because it doesn’t even need a special occasion.

Local vendors and chefs showcase the sphatlho evolution from mince and potato mash to russians, cheese and other “gourmet” toppings, at a family feast accompanied by culture and live entertainment.

• Where: Giant Stadium, Soshanguve
• Cost: Tickets start from R120 on Computicket

Our colonial history doesn’t begin and end at land seizures, but it was also rooted in slave trades and the majority of South Africa’s Indian population’s roots can be traced back to the indentured labourers who were trafficked to this country.

Embracing our heritage and multiculturalism as a nation means no one gets left behind when we celebrate the connecting threads to where we’ve all come from, and as such food, music, book readings, Mehndi and other forms of creative expression converge at the HiChai Festival. The festival’s name is derived from Masala Chai, which is the traditional, aromatic Indian spiced tea.

• Where: Modern Tailors, Rosebank

• Cost: From R150 on Quicket

Join the residents of surrounding areas in Ekurhuleni at this annual convention held at Germiston Lake, a perfect venue for September weather (notwithstanding climate change).

The open lakeside lawns and braai facilities make for a perfect picnic environment that is easy on your pocket because you can just pack a picnic basket from whatever is available at home instead of spending money at a restaurant.

There is an entrance fee but it’s for a good cause as the event is a fundraiser for local community development and welfare projects. So, put on your best traditional attire and lose yourself to the local music acts and DJs while the little ones run around in the designated children's entertainment.

• Where: Germiston Lake
• Cost: Children 6 to 13 years R71 online and R82 at the gate, adults R125 online and R150 at the gate

Have the sokkie of your life to the boeremusiek of Pieter Smith, Elvis Blue, Logan Pietersen Music and many others at the Voortrekker Monument this Heritage Day.

This celebration of Afrikaans culture features boeredanse, volkspele and a storytelling segment that unpacks this demographic in detail.

There is also the FAK Skryf'it Final, which is the culmination of this Afrikaans songwriting mentorship and music programme happening live on stage.

• Where: Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria
• Cost: From R50