Page 9 - Dainfern Precinct Living 8 2021

LIFESTYLE

C elebr ating our H eritage
Celebrating our Heritage

BY JOSH TRUTER

Heritage Day coming up on 24 September
is a day that celebrates South Africa’s roots,
and the rich, vibrant and diverse cultures
that make up our Rainbow Nation.

o matter where in the world one Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia, Of course, celebrating our South
goes, the locals in each country Finland, Poland, Hungary, Greece, African heritage goes beyond one
Nwill be able to recount tales of Italy, Ireland, the US (Irish and Dutch war or even a few individuals – it’s
suffering and conflict. There will also be Americans), Russia, and Australia. about all the people who make up
stories of people who have overcome The British were supported by soldiers our Rainbow Nation – although, as
impossible odds to become beacons of from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, we can see, many of us can claim
hope and inspiration to the masses. India, individual mercenaries from the links to a variety of the nationalities
US, and Italy. Both sides used local that participated way back then.
Our democracy in the bigger scheme tribesmen to assist with tending the
of world events is still young and there horses, setting up the camps, carrying One of the best ways to appreciate
are plenty of growing pains – and most ammunition, and sometimes even the melting pot of cultures in South
likely there will be many more. We engaging in the fighting. Africa is by exploring the different
are lucky, though, that we are able to  Winston Churchill was captured just types of cuisine on offer. Think
applaud the achievements of numerous two weeks after his arrival as war of Portuguese peri-peri chicken,
South Africans who have risen up correspondent for the Morning Post. Italian pizza, German sausages, an
and tackled some of our trials and He managed to escape and made his English breakfast, Dutch Milk Tart,
tribulations head on. way to Mozambique. He then signed Indian curry, Greek meze, French
up as a lieutenant in the British army croissants, Cape Malay bobotie,
We have also had the benefit of support and was witness to the occupation of along with the pap, samp and beans,
from many countries and communities Pretoria by the British Forces. morogo, walkie talkies, amasi and
from around the world and, in celebrating  Mahatma Gandhi formed the Natal sorghum beer enjoyed by our local
our South African heritage, perhaps this Indian Ambulance Corps that tribes, and you can see that our
is a good opportunity to take a look at consisted of 300 Indian settlers and influences are many and widespread.
some of the nationalities that played a 800 indentured Indian labourers. They Add to these, biltong, droëwors,
significant role in one of those defining supported the British and served as boerewors, potjiekos, bunny chows,
‘moments’ at the turn of last century. stretcher bearers and assisted with chakalaka, smoorsnoek and
transporting the wounded soldiers that bokkoms, followed by koeksusters
DID YOU KNOW? needed medical care. When Gandhi and rooibos tea – or Springbok
 During the Second Anglo Boer War came to South Africa, his intention shooters, Amarula Dom Pedro,
(October 1899 – May 1902), the was to stay just one year. He ended local craft beers and possibly even
Boers were supported by volunteer up staying for 21 years before heading Mampoer, and you know you’re in
soldiers from the Netherlands, France, back to India. South Africa!!
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