In September, South Africans celebrate the things that make a house a home: food, music, people, places, family traditions, and of course, braai.
Dotsure, a supporter of the Mrs South Africa 2026 competition, surveyed the finalists to find out what they include in their personal Heritage Day to-do lists. Answers ranged from family dinners and favorite songs to national parks, pets, and values they hope to pass on to the next generation.
However, there are many other very South African elements worth adding to this list.
Angelique Jansen van Rensburg emphasizes the everyday moments that give South Africa a sense of home. Megan Kaister also noted the importance of gathering the family around a common table.
Gather Your People
For Angelique Jansen van Rensburg, heritage is closely linked to the people around her and the unique feeling of coming home. Megan Kaister also highlighted the significance of spending time together at the family table.
Prepare Your Checklist
Recommendations include calling relatives you haven't seen in a while; taking out camping chairs; preparing enough food for unexpected guests; and allowing conversations to last long.
Carica Bebb values family values and traditions. Since Heritage Day is also National Braai Day, this is obvious. The finalists shared opinions on what to grill: from boerewors to ribeye steak and ribs. Side dishes such as braaibroodjies, potato salad, pap, and pumpkin shells also play an important role.
Your Checklist
The list includes finding someone who takes barbecue duties very seriously; preparing braaibroodjies; choosing between wood, charcoal, or gas; and considering pet safety requirements and dietary restrictions.
Add Some Mzansi Flavor
There is no single soundtrack, dish, or tradition that defines South Africa; that is part of the fun. The finalists mentioned everything: from the South African National Anthem and Sister Betty to the sound of chirping.
Your Checklist
It is suggested to add a South African hit to the playlist; try a dish you didn't eat as a child; learn or teach someone from another generation or culture a unique South African phrase; and have a family debate about 'who cooks best...'.
Make Room for the Whole Family
Pet issues were often raised in the finalists' answers, and this was not accidental. For many South Africans, a family gathering includes everyone with four legs who considers the sofa their own. Angelique states that dogs in her family are fed like children, while Megan notes that her cats taught her empathy and appreciation for quiet moments in life.
Your Checklist
Recommendations include ensuring a safe space for pets during celebrations; prohibiting serving human treats to animals; mandatory group photos with family and pets; and ensuring everyone gets a chance to sit on the sofa.
Keep Doing Good
Heritage lies in both big traditions and the everyday things we do together. That is the joy of celebrating our home and our people, as there is no single 'checklist' to be South African. Your version might include barbecue and rugby, family curry, a trip, childhood music, a trip to the coast, or a Sunday surrounded by animals.
Dotsure loves those everyday moments that bring people together. So, on this Heritage Day, take time for what makes your version of South Africa worthy of celebration.