Celebrating Our Roots, Celebrating Our Heritage
By Sinazo Mkoko
It’s September, and while we know that spring does not really start on the first day of the ninth month, there are many many ways we can celebrate that spring has indeed sprung in South Africa. Here, we list four activities that you can do this September, alone or with your loved ones
South African Cheese Festival, Western Cape
This is one of the greatest outdoor events in the Mother City, where real cheesemongers and wine connoisseurs mingle with us, regular Joes (who happen to enjoy these things). After all, cheese and wine make a great combination, according to experts. The event takes place from September 22 to 25 at Sandringham Farm, Stellenbosch. If you want to taste a selection of the finest cheeses from across the country, this is a must-attend event in the province. It attracts thousands of people from different parts of the country for a reason.
Jacques Fourie of the SA Cheese Festival said this was a remarkable experience for food lovers. “With an array of culinary vendors, local wines, craft beers, gin, live music, and entertaining foodie shows, there’s something for everyone at this festival. The delicious cheese varieties and artisanal products available for tasting and purchase will tantalise your taste buds, and the vibrant atmosphere will leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious to try new flavours, the 2023 SA Cheese Festival is an event not to be missed!”
Afro Future Fest, Gauteng
Formerly known as Afrochella, AfroFuture is an event that celebrates Africa’s diverse culture and the incredible and great work of African creatives and entrepreneurs across the continent.
Taking place on September 30 at the Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton, Johannesburg, this is a pioneering interactive event that not only educates but also explores other cultures and is intended to elevate and expose the exciting and blooming millennial talent in Africa. The organisers stated: “AfroFuture attendees will experience art and creative activations from the continent, celebrate African music, and taste premium and cultured cuisine.”
Boschendal’s Heritage Month Treehouse Adventure, Western Cape
An adventure for the whole family: from September 4 to 29, the Boschendal Wine Estate will be celebrating the wealth and heritage of our nation through their tree house adventure for the young minds and a time to relax for the parents. The tree house adventure is an educational experience designed exclusively for your children, who are invited into a world of pollination, cultural exploration, creativity, and biodiversity.
This adventure is meant to educate and keep the little ones busy while the adults relax and enjoy all the farm has to offer. The activities include tribal face painting, African tribal drumming with gumboot dance, a heritage tour and biodiversity experience, bead work, a fire ceremony, cooking, and sharing traditional dishes over storytelling.
Folklore Festival 2023, Gauteng
Celebrate your heritage at the Folklore Festival 2023, which takes place on September 16 at the National School of the Arts in Braam Park, Johannesburg. The event caters for the whole family and offers a memorable experience of great African music, literature, crafts, and cuisine for the entire family. There will be a concert on the main stage with African artists including Sho Madjozi, Vusi Mahlasela, and Makadem (Kenya) ft. Eddie Grey, a visionary and trailblazer in the jazz and fusion scene in East and Central Africa.
For the little ones, there will be a curated kid’s stage, a play area, and a children’s storyteller book market, while the rhythm of Africa can be felt from the aroma of all the African dishes on offer and traditional dancers and drumming circles off stage –a great way for the African child to celebrate their heritage.
Sources: BWF|SACF| AllEvents| AfroFuture Fest
