With a melting pot of cultures and heritage in South Africa, Professor Mias de Klerk unpacks the importance of celebrating the heritage of others, too.
South Africa (17 September 2025) – Heritage Day invites us to celebrate our histories and cultures – the narratives, values, beliefs, traditions and practices. These elements shape our identities and give us a sense of belonging, and honouring one’s heritage is essential for preserving these unique attributes, instilling pride and encouraging individuals to contribute positively to their communities. It connects us to our roots, helps us understand our history and sustains our traditions.
However, focusing only on our own heritage can lead to cultural insularity and misunderstanding. Often when we celebrate Heritage Day, South Africans from various cultural groupings focus only on their own at the cost of the marvellous diversity of heritages that make up our country. In doing so, we merely tolerate the heritages of other groups rather than genuinely respecting or embracing them.
Written in the Khoisan language of the /Xam people, the motto of the South African Coat of Arms reads “!ke e: /xarra //ke”, translating as ‘diverse people unite’, or ‘unity in diversity’. This motto not only acknowledges and embraces the rich heritages and diversities of all our peoples but calls on us to unite with a sense of belonging and national pride as a nation.
Pride in one’s own culture is important, but if taken in isolation, it can reinforce an “us versus them” mentality. This risks prejudice, stereotypes and missed opportunities for learning and growth. True social cohesion requires more than recognition of our own traditions; it demands openness to those of others. When we engage with different cultures, not just tolerating, we broaden our perspectives, enrich our own identities and cultivate empathy.
In a multicultural society like South Africa, unity is built by celebrating differences while finding common ground. When diverse communities come together with respect and openness, they create a vibrant tapestry of customs, languages and traditions.
This can build the essential platform needed for self-transcending dialogue, allowing societies to share their narratives and experiences and to learn from each other, thereby creating a discerning sense of belonging for all.
Embracing and celebrating our respective cultures and heritages is not the same as cultural appropriation – the phenomenon where individuals or groups from one culture adopt elements from another culture without understanding or respecting its significance. Instead, cultural appreciation nurtures inclusivity, mitigates misunderstandings, and honours the origins of practices and traditions.
Unity in diversity requires active participation beyond just talking about it. We need to actively engage in conversations about our respective cultural narratives, practices and heritages to develop an understanding and appreciation, and to become advocates for inclusivity. Embracing both our own heritage and that of others can create a brighter, more inclusive future, reminding us all that, though we may differ, our shared humanity unites us. It is only when we celebrate our own heritage, alongside a commitment to appreciating the heritage of others, that we can create a cultural landscape where everyone’s contributions are valued and progress towards ‘unity in diversity’.
Mias de Klerk is a Professor in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour and Director at the Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies (Africa) at Stellenbosch Business School. He has shared pieces for Good Things Guy, unpacking some of the more complex societal ideals while always highlighting hope. You can read more here.
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