Mzansi Magic: Local Celebrities Share What They Love About South Africa This Heritage Day

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.

As South Africans prepare to mark Heritage Day, local personalities Carol Ofori, Wiseman Mncube and Kriya Gangiah are sharing some of the things they love most about calling South Africa home, from the country’s unique ability to celebrate different cultures to the simple joy of finding a beautiful waterfall to escape to.

Now, let’s hear what they had to share:

1. Carol Ofori, radio personality and author

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. For Ofori, 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. 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,” said Carol.

2. Wiseman Mncube, actor and Tropika Island Of Treasure contestant

For Wiseman Mncube, South Africa’s natural beauty, he believes, is one of the country’s greatest treasures – and if there’s a waterfall involved, even better.

“I love how beautiful this country is. Anywhere with a waterfall is my happy place. There’s something about being near a waterfall that makes me feel relaxed,” said Wiseman.

For him, spending time in nature is about more than enjoying the scenery. It gives him an opportunity to slow down, reflect and reconnect with himself.

“I pray, I meditate and I just take a moment to find myself again. 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,” he added.

3. Martin Bester, Jacaranda FM radio personality

For Jacaranda FM presenter Martin Bester, one of the most special things about being South African is the way the country’s differences can disappear when there is something to rally behind: particularly sport.

“I think my favourite thing about being South African is that we go about our daily lives, all very different, until our team plays at a World Cup or against an international team and then suddenly, we are very much more the same,” said Martin.

We all love winning! But for Martin, the South African spirit goes beyond sport. He says the willingness of South Africans to lend a hand and make themselves useful when someone needs help is one of the country’s defining qualities.

“Another thing I love so much about South Africans is that we really, really like being helpful. South Africans always want to make themselves useful when there’s a need. We are honestly some of the friendliest and most caring people in the world, and I think that’s something really special about us,” added Martin.

4. Kriya Gangiah, media personality and sports presenter

For presenter and media personality Kriya Gangiah, it is South Africa’s incredible diversity, and the way its many cultures come together, that makes the country so special.

“My favourite thing about being South African is the incredible diversity of our country. I love how many different cultures, traditions, languages and cuisines we have, and how they all come together to make South Africa what it is,” said Kriya.

Having travelled to many different parts of the world through her work, Gangiah says that it is the warmth of South Africans that continues to make the country feel like home.

“I have travelled to so many places through my work, but there’s something really special about the warmth and welcoming nature of South Africans. No matter where you are from, there’s always a sense of community and togetherness, and I think that’s what makes South Africa feel like home,” added Kriya.

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