It’s Heritage Month. And as we prepare to celebrate our heritage, the worry starts to kick in about how you will budget for this.
It’s important to remember that Heritage Day extends far beyond just a public holiday in our country. It’s an opportunity for all South Africans of various cultures, to celebrate what makes us unique.
Whether it is boerewors in the Free State or some crawfish on the West Coast, the whole nation comes together and spends time with our loved ones around the “braai”.
We all know that the cost of living has increased exponentially these last couple of months. And many of us know that we might not be able to celebrate “braai day” as we normally would. But there are ways that you can celebrate this special day with loved ones if your finances are tight.
We have compiled 5 tips to help you celebrate this day without spending a fortune.
1. Arrange a “bring and braai”
You may be the braai master of the group, but this does not mean that you should be the only one contributing towards the meat or even the side dishes.
Invite friends and family and discuss who is bringing what meat and side dishes. It is also way more fun as you each can make a traditional side dish with the braai meat.
2. Take advantage of the Heritage Day specials
To make your budget stretch further, shop around for the best prices. A lot of shops offer deals for when there are public holidays. Hunt for deals for meat, cold drinks and traditional nibbles and stock up on a variety of special goods to make your Heritage Day a festivity you’ll never forget.
3. Get out of the house and into the fresh air – Family Day out
We as South Africans are very fortunate to have many National parks and gardens that are fully furnished with braai facilities.
It’s an inexpensive way to get the family out for a day and to enjoy the beautiful country we live in.
Your kids would love the open space and you will be within COVID regulations.
Here are some suggestions for botanical gardens and National parks.
4. Submerse yourself into another culture
If you don’t feel like a braai, there are other things for you to do too.
Heritage Day is about all cultures. So why not submerge yourself into another culture for the day. Learn a phrase from another language and visit communities and try their cuisine.
Whether you visit the Locrate market in Soweto, Shangana Cultural Village in Mpumalanga, Basotho Cultural Village in the Free State and Khaya La Bantu Cultural Village in the Eastern Cape you will encounter different cultures and cuisines.
5. Be part of uBuntu
What better way to give back than Heritage Day.
Spending time with those in need is incredibly rewarding. Whether you are offering food, old clothing or just having a chat, these actions go a long way to helping those who may not have the means to celebrate in the way they may want to.
Helping out at a homeless shelter, greeting the teller at your local spar, and being kind does not cost you anything.
The meaning of uBuntu simply means behaving well towards others or acting in ways that benefit the community.
We hope that these tips help you to not break the bank this Heritage Day.
Let us know what you think.
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