We asked South Africans to leave a message for their country this Heritage Day and the comments gave us all the feels. From acts of kindness to powerful messages of unity, our readers reminded us why we love this place.
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 September 2026) – South Africa, we need to talk about Heritage Day… somewhere between the traditional outfits, the braais, the Springbok jerseys and the arguments on social media, I think we sometimes forget what this day is actually about.
Heritage Day, celebrated on 24th of September, is an opportunity to recognise our country’s extraordinary diversity, celebrate each other, our cultures and traditions, and acknowledge the history that has shaped us. The date was originally associated with Shaka Day in KwaZulu-Natal, commemorating King Shaka, before becoming a national public holiday in 1996 to recognise the cultural heritage of all South Africans. And the beautiful thing about our country is that we don’t all celebrate it the same way. For one person, Heritage Day means wearing traditional clothing and honouring the customs passed down through generations. For another, it means gathering the family around a braai, sharing a meal or celebrating the languages, music and traditions that make South Africa so wonderfully diverse. And yes, for someone else, it might mean putting on a Springbok jersey.
We’ve seen the social media arguments and the public shaming of people choosing to wear their rugby shirts on Heritage Day but surely there’s room for all of us to celebrate what being South African means to us? Our heritage is bigger than any single tradition and we don’t need to celebrate it identically to appreciate one another. In fact, I think that’s precisely what makes this country so special.
But this Heritage Day also comes at a difficult time. The horrific news surrounding the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni, the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and the fear and anger being felt across the country have weighed heavily on so many South Africans. We cannot celebrate everything that is wonderful about our country without also acknowledging the very real pain that so many people are experiencing.
And that’s why we decided to do something a little different. We turned to our Good Things Guy community and asked South Africans to leave a message for their country. Not an argument or another reason to be angry… and certainly not another opportunity to divide ourselves. Just something hopeful and kind. And good grief, South Africa, you delivered.
The responses poured in, and reading them reminded me of the enormous love for this country and, more importantly, for the people who call it home.
Tehilla Luttig shared something her father has always told her about finding hope during difficult times.
“My dad always says it doesn’t matter how long a room has been dark, whether it’s been a few hours or a hundred years, it doesn’t matter. Light immediately displaces the dark.”
She went on to remind us that we all have something positive to contribute and that we shouldn’t be afraid to share it.
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“Let’s stand together, as we always do when life gets hard. Let’s take hands with each other, not allowing politics & politicians to cause division. We are stronger & better together South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤️🙌”
And Karin Grobler DuPont reminded us that the South African spirit isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we experience in the most ordinary moments.
“Recently on a trip to Piketberg we experienced tyre problems on a rental car – we stopped at a filling station and three petrol attendants helped us to change the wheel. They were extremely, helpful, caring and friendly. Not expecting anything in return. We have so many good and friendly people in our country. Something to celebrate!”
I love that story. It’s the South Africa we see every single day at Good Things Guy. Three strangers helping another stranger, expecting nothing in return. It’s kindness that rarely makes the evening news… but it happens across our country every day.
Karien Oberholzer’s message was filled with love for her fellow South Africans, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
“I want every South African to know: you matter, you make a difference, you are worthy just because you exist, you are precious, you are worthy of your own time, your own love and your own attention! I love each and every one of you dearly.”
Deborah Ann Dearham beautifully summed up the spirit of Heritage Day.
“We are a colourful nation. It takes all of us to make this Nation. Walk in love, kindness and compassion ❤️ 💕 💖 ♥️”
And Nickey Seger shared a message we can all carry with us long after Heritage Day is over.
“We are stronger together, love and appreciate each other. 🇿🇦”
There’s an African philosophy that captures so much of what our readers shared with us. Ubuntu. The understanding that our humanity is connected to the humanity of others and that caring for one another is fundamental to who we are. It’s also fitting that South Africa’s official Heritage Month theme for 2026 is “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us“, with a particular emphasis on Ubuntu and our shared sense of belonging.
After reading those comments, I think our Good Things Guy community has demonstrated exactly what that means.
Our heritage isn’t only found in the clothes we wear, the languages we speak, the food we eat or the traditions we celebrate. It’s also found in how we treat one another, how we respond when someone needs help and how we choose to come together when our country is hurting.
We have serious problems that deserve serious attention. Celebrating the good doesn’t mean ignoring any of them. But those problems shouldn’t stop us from recognising the millions of South Africans who make this country worth believing in. So wear your traditional clothing. Put on your Springbok jersey. Light the braai. Celebrate your family, your culture and everything that makes you proudly South African. And while you’re doing that, make a little room to celebrate someone else’s heritage too. The most beautiful thing about Heritage Day is that we don’t have to share the same heritage to share the same love for South Africa.
Happy Heritage Day, South Africa. There is so much good in you, and the very best of it has always been us… the people.
by 
