Appreciating Heritage

Four days ago, aka Thursday the 24th, South Africans celebrated culture and diversity on Heritage Day. For me, it wasn't just Heritage Day which allowed me to celebrate  my ancestry. Starting Tuesday evening, it was Yom Kippur, and Jews across the nation, and indeed the world, were fasting, reflecting and repenting. One could say that my week has been quite culturally rich and philosophical.

Thursday was spent hiking up one of Cape Town's most well-known mountains, Lions Head, and having a true birds eye view of the Cape. It was incredible to see the CBD pan out into the sea and the mountains.It was a bit foggy, but every once in a while the cloud-cover would break and the weather was beautiful. Definitely worth all the effort to hike to the top, to see the beautiful city.

On Friday, after a long and particularly 'okay' day at school, my smile was instantly back when I went to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is by far one of my favourite places in South Africa, if not the world. Kirstenbosch is a massive piece of land covered in the Western Province's indigenous plants and 'fynbos', and is absolutely magical. When I was little, it was a frequently visited place, with family and friends. We used to catch tadpoles at the river, and roll down the hills for hours. We also used to run around the 'enchanted' trees and flowers, sure of fairies or pixies popping up at any minute, and sharing our picnic with us. Kirstenbosch brings back so many memories of fun times and freedom, and even today, it is still a frequent hang out with my friends to picnic and bask in the sun, all while being surrounded by the Cape's flora and fauna.

All of these events and adventures got me thinking of how important it is to celebrate one's heritage. I live in the most beautiful country, and the same can be said about the people who I encounter on a daily basis. In Cape Town, I am constantly amazed of how multicultural Capetonians are. With the Rugby World Cup currently taking place, I realised how incredible it is that we can all unite and join forces to support our nation. I couldn't help but smile when I saw a flood of green and gold shirts, all in support of our Springboks at our local shopping centre.

South Africa is such a unique place. We have oceans, mountains, food, culture, black people, white people, people who are mixed-race or of Malay heritage, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, cities, and nature. We have everything. We have diversity. Something that we should truly celebrate. The same can be said for every single country around the world. Cherish differences and accept them. This week has truly made me realise more than ever, how I am proudly South African. I am also a proud member of the human race. We should all be. Celebrate diversity and appreciate your heritage. It's one of the most important things that makes you, you.