It’s time to celebrate Heritage Day in true South African style with a touch of Joburg flair of course! Get ready to explore Joburg this Heritage Day – the 24th of September! We’ve created a list of exciting not-to-be-missed events & experiences that capture the vibrant city of Joburg’s diverse heritage from firing up the braai with mates, visiting fascinating museums, and exploring important landmarks, to attending lively events & indulging in Heritage Day family feasts – there’s something for absolutely EVERYONE!
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Heritage Day this year – the lively, diverse & vibrant city of Joburg DEFINITELY won’t disappoints! So, unpack your sense of adventure and join the celebration of this year’s Heritage Day in Joburg!
Here are some of the top things to do in Joburg this Heritage Day!
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#Take a trip to Vilakazi Street in Soweto
Vilakazi Street is a legend in its own right. Based in the world’s most famous township & culturally diverse & historic spaces in Johannesburg, Soweto, Vilakazi Street’s accolades run the length of the street. If you have never taken a trip down to the iconic Vilakazi Street, there is no better time than on Heritage Day.
Bursting with history & heritage, Vilakazi Street was home to TWO Nobel Peace Prize Laureates – Nelson Mandela – South Africa’s first democratically elected President, anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, human rights activist, international peacemaker, Nobel Peace Prize winner, icon & hero of African liberation, a universal symbol of social justice & peace, and a courageous leader who dedicated his life to ending apartheid & building a free, multiracial & democratic South Africa &, by example, a more equal world – among countless other extraordinary things – as well as the revolutionary Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Located along Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Mandela House Museum welcomes visitors from all around the world. The street also memorialises Hector Pietersen in the form of The Hector Petersen Memorial who was killed by police in the 1976 student uprising. The image captured by Sam Nzima made 12-year old Hector an international icon in the fight against the Apartheid government.
Mandela House and Vilakazi Street are iconic landmarks on the map of South African history. Immerse yourself in the memory of one of South Africa’s most important struggle journeys.
Today, Vilakazi Street welcomes visitors to these iconic landmarks in the midst of authentic dining, backpacker hostels, entrepreneur hubs and a vibrant and welcoming community.
Visit the Mandela House Museum as well as The Hector Petersen Memorial to learn more about the rich history of Soweto & its people.
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#Lekka Heritage Market!
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: German Club | German Club, 8 Plantation Road, Eastleigh, Edenvale, Johannesburg
- Time: 11am – 5pm
- Cost: R20 p/p
- Contact details: 081 640 7298 | Germanclub1610@gmail.com
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Howzit Mzansi crew! Pull in for a lekker time at the HeartSpace Heritage Day Market hosted by Heartspace Events on the 24th of September from 11am to 5pm at the Edenvale German Club! Get your chops around some delicious chow & dop, check out the kiff craft stalls, keep the little ones entertained in the kiddies play area, vibe out to the ‘lekker’ LIVE tunes & epic beats & SO MUCH MORE! This Heritage Day, the German Club is pulling out ALL the stops! Plus, it is pet-friendly, so be sure to bring your furry pals along for the ‘GEES’!
Let’s jive, dance & celebrate our diverse cultures & legacies as ONE RAINBOW NATION! Show off your heritage, no matter where your roots lie & let’s unite in a big, beautiful celebration of our differences & similarities.
Come klop a jol with us & let’s make this Heritage Day a vibe to remember! Spread the word, bring your family, okes & dames, and let’s have a jol like only us Saffas know how! See you there, boet!
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#Heritage Day Celebration @ Lido Hotel
- When: 21 September 2024
- Where: Lido Hotel | Lido Hotel, Pennylane 342, Vereeniging Road, Eikenhof
- Time: 10am – 8pm
- **Tickets: Click HERE to get your ticket / tickets NOW!
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Heritage day is all about celebrating our traditions & root cultures with family & friends! Come embrace your Heritage in style in your white outfits with a grand touch of African flair at the beautiful Lido Hotel for a Heritage Day Celebration & Braai on the 21st of September 2024 starting at 10am.
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#Heritage Day Celebration @ Glenburn Lodge & Spa
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: Glenburn Lodge & Spa | Glenburn Lodge & Spa, Kromdraai Road, Zwartkops, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg,
- Time: 12pm – 5pm
- Cost: R290 per person (special rates available for children)
- **Contact / Booking Details: Book your table today by contacting reservations@glenburn.co.za or calling 011 668 1600 | **Space is limited – Make your booking ASAP!
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This Heritage Day, fire up your taste buds for a spectacular braai-themed lunch nestled in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind. Save the date for the Heritage Day Celebrations happening at Glenburn Lodge & Spa on the 24th of September 2024!
Treat your family to mouthwatering grilled meats, delicious South African sides, stunning views, a welcome drink & live entertainment all for ONLY R290 per person (special rates available for children). Space is limited, so don’t miss out & let’s celebrate our rich heritage TOGETHER!
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#Visit The Lesedi Cultural Village
- Location: Kalkheuwel Broederstroom R512,Lanseria, West Rand
- Contact details: 010 442 3420 | 071 507 1447 | cro@aha.co.za
- Website: www.lesedi.com
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Nestled within the Cradle of Humankind, the World Heritage Site home to the earliest traces of humanity, Lesedi Cultural Village is the living custodian of Africa’s history & its rich culture.
Named after King Moshoeshoe’s inspired words, “Our culture is the light of our nation”, Lesedi Cultural Village showcases five traditional homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes. Visitors to Lesedi Cultural Village are immersed in a cultural tradition tour de force that connects the past with the present and shines a light on our collective humanity. Lesedi Cultural Village is a wonderful place to celebrate your heritage!
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**LESEDI OFFERS A VIBRANT VARIETY OF CULTURAL VILLAGE EXPERIENCES**
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VILLAGE TOUR
Visitors to Lesedi can choose between The Monati (lunch) or Boma (dinner) cultural tours. These two-hour programmes are offered at 11:30 and 16:30 daily. On arrival, visitors are welcomed at the Ndebele Village by representatives of the tribes that dwell at Lesedi.
The tour begins with a multi-sensory presentation of the origins of South Africa’s indigenous inhabitants, followed by a guided walk through the myriad tribal homesteads located in the Lesedi Cultural Village.
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“INGOMA” (DANCE) SHOW
The Lesedi Cultural Tour culminates in a not-to-be-missed dance extravaganza. Held in the Boma, ancestral folklore and rituals are brought to life in spectacular fashion. This “Ingoma”, told through choreographed movement, beating drums and song is thrilling history story-telling at its best.
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DINING AT LESEDI ** AN AFRICAN-INSPIRED CULINARY JOURNEY
Lesedi prides itself on offering guests an African-inspired culinary journey across the continent and its many cultures. The meal experience is about thanksgiving, celebration and community. Guests are invited to indulge in cuisine that represents the diversity of tastes and cultures that comprise delicious African cuisine.
**Click HERE to find out more about Lesedi Cultural Village’s Dining Experiences.
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VILLAGE CURIO SHOP
On entering the Lesedi Cultural Village, visitors are presented with a visual feast of African-designed crafts and curios. All artefacts are hand-made, artisanal wonders offering visitors a delightful browsing and shopping experience.
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FULL HOMESTAY AT LESEDI
Immerse yourself in the essence of Ubuntu with an enriching full homestay experience at one of their five authentic homesteads. Spend a night to embrace the vibrant lifestyle of a traditional rural African family, all while enjoying the comforts you deserve.
Indulge in a culinary adventure for dinner and breakfast, featuring a delectable buffet of ethnic delights at the Nyama Choma Restaurant. Enhance your stay with a captivating cultural tour, where the mesmerizing music, soulful songs, and genuine warmth of African hospitality will captivate your senses.
**Click HERE to make an online reservation.
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#Heritage Day Buffet @ Killarney Country Club
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: Killarney Country Club | Killarney Country Club, 60 Fifth Street, Lower Houghton, Johannesburg
- Time: 12pm
- Contact details: 011 442 7411 | reception@killarneycc.co.za | info@killarneycc.co.za
- **Booking: Click HERE to book your spot online NOW! | Or contact 011 442 7411 or email info@killarneycc.co.za
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Don’t miss out on an unforgettable Heritage Day Buffet at Killarney Country Club! For just R295 per person & R120 for kids under 12, you will be able to indulge in a full 3-course buffet, a welcome drink upon arrival as well as LIVE music by the Henry Philemon duo. To further elevate your dining experience, you can choose between cozy indoor dining or the fresh air & scenic views of outdoor seating while you sit back, relax & enjoy your incredible Heritage Day Buffet – At Killarney Country Club, they offer options to cater to every preference!
That’s certainly not all! With Happy Hour drink specials starting at 2pm & a fun, safe & engaging play area for the kiddos – complete with a jumping castle & bubble house – at your disposal, Killarney Country Club undoubtedly ensures that a fun, hassle-free / relaxing & memorable day will be had by every member of the family!
**NB NOTE: Due to popular demand, tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends & during special events. Secure your spot early to avoid missing out on a fantastic dining experience.
**Feel free to come dressed in your cultural attire & celebrate Heritage Day in true style!**
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#Heritage Weekend Market @ Greenstone Shopping Centre
- When: Friday, 20 September 2024 – 24 September 2024
- Event by: Greenstone Shopping Centre
- Where: Central Court – Upper Level | Cnr Modderfontein Road & Van Riebeeck Avenue, Greenstone Hill, Johannesburg
- Time: 9am – 5pm daily
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**PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN**
Celebrate Heritage Day by joining Greenstone Shopping Centre for their incredible Heritage Weekend Market – brought to you by Urban Markets – taking place from Friday, the 20th of September 2024 until Tuesday, the 24th of September 2024.
Bring the whole family along for a memorable day filled with TONS of excitement & entertainment! From discovering local entrepreneurs & artisans, exploring amazing Market Stalls that has anything & everything from unique handmade crafts, arts & one-of-a-kind-finds to indulging in an array of down-right delicious & decadent eats & treats – PLUS SO MUCH MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO – there truly is something for everyone to enjoy at Greenstone Shopping Centre’s Heritage Weekend Market! Don’t miss this fun-filled day! See you there!
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#Heritage Day Braai @ Fresh Earth!
- When: 24 September 2024
- Event by: Fresh Earth Food Store
- Where: Fresh Earth Food Store | Fresh Eart Food Store, 74 Hillcrest Avenue, Randburg, Johannesburg
- Time: 11am | Braai is served from 11:30am & available while food lasts
- Cost: R25/100g | R179 Bottomless sit-down | **Our full menu will also be available
- **Contact / Booking details: 011 646 4404 | support@freshearth.co.za | **Bookings are highly recommended – we fill up fast!
- **NOTE: Our staff will be dressed in their best heritage attire – If you dress up too, you get 10% off everything in our retail store!
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Join Fresh Earth for their FAMOUS & ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS Annual Braai Buffet this Heritage Day!
They will have GREAT meat alternatives on the fire from Easi Vegan & HerbiVohr along with their famous veg kebabs, delicious sides, salads & SO MUCH MORE DELICIOUSNESS for you to indulge in this Heritage Day!
Don’t miss out on this fun, exciting & beautiful day full of celebrations! **Bookings are HIGHLY recommended as they fill up fast! Call 011 646 4404 or email support@freshearth.co.za to secure your spot / reservation NOW!
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#Heritage Sunday Lamb-on-the-Spit
- When: 22 September 2024
- Event by: Meraki Deli Cafe and Toni Gozza
- Where: Meraki Deli Café | Meraki Deli Café, 102 Corlett Drive, Shop 3&4, Crete House 102 Corlett Drive, Birnam, Johannesburg
- Time: 1pm – 5pm
- Cost: R375 p/p for 3-Courses | Kids U/12: R200
- **Booking: Click HERE to book online via dineplan | Alternatively, call 072 957 7847 or email hello@merakidelicafe.com to make your reservation
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Come & savour Meraki Deli Café’s EVER-POPULAR slow-cooked Greek lamb on the spit this Heritage Sunday, the 22nd of September 2024! You’re definitely in for the treat of ALL treats as you get to savour & enjoy the classic Mediterreanean flavours of succulent & tender meat, accompanied by garlic roast potatoes & traditional Greek salad – all while being serenaded by Toni Gozza – what more could you possibly want?
That’s certainly not all! You will start your beyond delicious Heritage culinary journey with an exceptional meze selection & finish it off with an array of truly decadent dessert options – ensuring you are fully satisfied in every way!
To ensure absolutely everyone is catered for – Meraki Deli Café has purposely gone out of their way to prepare a sensational seafood platter & additional vegetarian option for any & all non-meat-eaters to enjoy.
To allow for ultimate delight & relaxation, there will be a jumping castle set up for the kiddos, along with plenty of fun activities, giving you the freedom & luxury to enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
“In Greek, ‘meraki’ means to do something with passion, absolute devotion, and undivided attention. It’s putting your soul into something. And we put our heart and soul into providing you with the freshest, most authentic Greek and Mediterranean food, ingredients and deli products.”
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#Stories of the Soil: Kwasukasukela
- When: 24 September 2024
- Event by: Origins Centre Museum
- Where: Origins Centre Museum | Origins Centre Museum, Corner Yale Road & Enoch Sontonga Drive, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Time: 10am – 5pm
- Cost: Full Day ticket (10am – 5pm): R100 webtickets / R120 door | Morning Session (10am – 1pm): R60 webtickets / R80 door | Afternoon Session (2pm – 5pm): R60 webtickets / R80 door
- Contact details: 011 717 4700 | bookings.origins@wits.ac.za | Bongiwe.ndulula@wits.ac.za
- **Note: Food & drinks will be on sale at the café at Origins | No food or drinks allowed in the museum
- **Click HERE for more information & everything you need to know!
- **Tickets: Click HERE to get your ticket / tickets NOW!
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Let’s come together for a series of performances that celebrate our roots & cultural legacy!
This Heritage Day celebration, hosted at Origins Centre Museum, Wits University on the 24th of September 2024 will be a vibrant & immersive cultural event recognizing South Africa’s rich heritage & diverse artistic expressions. With a focus on community engagement & cultural promotion, this event is set to offer a unique platform for emerging artists & provide a memorable experience for attendees.
‘Stories of the Soil: Kwasukasukela’ honours & promotes South Africa’s cultural heritage through a dynamic blend of theatre, music & physical theatre. By showcasing a variety of performances & interactive activities by Wits students, the event aims to deepen the audience’s appreciation for the nation’s artistic & cultural traditions.
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#Mo Guitar’s 4 Melville this Heritage Day
- When: 24 September 2024
- Event by: Jazz in Melville and Senna-Marie
- Where: 75 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg
- Time: 1pm – 5pm
- Cost: Quicket: R80 | Door: R120 | Or via what’s app 0713841237
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Llewellyn Adonis – a Multi instrumentalists / musical educator – & the brilliant guitarists Lebz Muso, Micah Myles & Senna Marie will be performing on HERITAGE DAY in the garden @ Tilt Coffee!
**Bring a picnic blanket, BYOB teas, smoothies munchies will be on sale from Tilt Coffee. **DON’T MISS these amazing musicians as they welcome the beautiful Spring season & express their heritage & musical influences in the new SA.
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