Heritage Day is actually the birthday of Shaka Zulu, the esteemed Zulu king who united the disparate Zulu clans in the 1800s. Perhaps a controversial figure (then again, most of our figures are), his birthdate is honoured by those of Zulu heritage.
Due to the controversy, a compromise was met during the proposed list of public holidays at the dawn of our democracy. That it would be a public holiday, but that it would also be more open – in that, we all have our cultural heritages to celebrate and remember.
Still, some still refer to this public holiday as Shaka’s Day.
It’s telling, though, that it was made open ended. By doing so, we all have the opportunity to reflect on our personal cultures while acknowledging those of our fellow South Africans.
We all have a shared destiny, and it is manifest in a few ways.
For instance, the charting of our democracy was partly set in bronze by Madiba – who himself is immortalised in Nelson Mandela Square by Sandton Central’s Sandton City.
A magnetically powerful tourist attraction, his statue never fails to bring crowds snapping photos of family members by the great man’s feet – as he, frozen forever, jives jovially.
Across from him is another shared heritage. One we are immensely proud of.
The Sandton Library remains a repository for knowledge available to all South Africans. Not a day goes by that young people, students and children, pass through its doors seeking the wisdom in its shelves. Levels of floors contain untold stories and lessons for all who desire it to share in.
Then there’s the finest of human achievements: the arts. As represented by the Berman Contemporary, an art gallery on 11 Alice Lane.
Home to many of our finest artists’ work, it exhibits the unique creativity of South Africa. For instance, artist John Vusi Mfupi will be exhibiting Assembling the Ghetto from 27 September – 11 October 2018. In it, he explores the nature and experience of traversing the city, especially for those who must rely on public transport.
An exquisite series of art pieces, his style evokes a sense of magical realism.
The gallery contains all our heritages, the works of South Africans that capture our lives and experiences with the stroke of a paint brush, and the deft of their eye.
Meanwhile, Made in SA, found in Sandton City, has traditional arts and crafts available, in the contemporary African Art style. From curios to statues carved of wood, it is a treasure trove of our peoples’ heritage and history.
There is plenty in store to add vivid African ambiance to any home.
Sandton Central wishes all South Africans a pleasant and reflective Heritage Day. Visit our district and enjoy the amenities on offer, of world class standard.
