Carol Ofori, Wiseman Mncube and More SA Celebs Share What They Love About Mzansi This Heritage Day
- Carol Ofori, Wiseman Mncube, Martin Bester and Kriya Gangiah opened up about what makes South Africa special to them this Heritage Day
- Ofori celebrated the country's 12 official languages and diverse food culture, from braai meat to vetkoek and amagwinya
- Mncube revealed that waterfalls are his happy place, while Bester pointed to South Africans' love of sport and their helpfulness as standout qualities
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Heritage Day on 21 September 2026 has local celebrities reflecting on what truly makes South Africa a place worth celebrating. From its kaleidoscope of cultures and cuisines to its natural wonders and the warmth of its people, four well-known personalities have shared what being South African means to them.
Carol Ofori and Kriya Gangiah on diversity
Radio and television personality Carol Ofori pointed to South Africa's multilingual makeup as something genuinely remarkable. She said:
"I think South Africa is so dynamic. It's a real flex to live in this country and to be part of this community that recognises 12 official languages, including Sign Language. What other country in the world does that?"
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Ofori also celebrated the country's food culture, saying South Africa's mixed heritage produces something extraordinary on the plate. She added:
"You can go to a braai and have some delicious meat and pap and milk tart for dessert, or enjoy vetkoek, amagwinya or many other incredible dishes. Our food is so beautifully colourful and it speaks to people across the world, and it's all here in South Africa."
Media personality and sports presenter Kriya Gangiah echoed Ofori's love of diversity, but added that it is the human warmth that keeps drawing her back. Having worked across many countries, Gangiah said no destination has matched South Africa's sense of belonging.
"I've travelled to so many places through my work, but there's something really special about the warmth and welcoming nature of South Africans No matter where you're from, there's always a sense of community and togetherness, and I think that's what makes South Africa feel like home."
Wiseman Mncube and Martin Bester on nature and unity
Actor and Tropika Island of Treasure celebrity contestant Wiseman Mncube kept things close to nature. He described waterfalls as his ultimate sanctuary, places where he goes to pray, meditate and reconnect with himself. Mncube said:
"Being somewhere with a waterfall, sitting under the water and letting it run over me is incredibly calming. It gives me a chance to switch off, relax and just be present."
Jacaranda FM presenter Martin Bester took a different angle, focusing on the collective spirit that emerges when South Africans unite behind a common cause, particularly sport. He said:
"I think my favourite thing about being South African is that we go about our daily lives, all very different, until our team plays at a World Cup or against an international team and then suddenly, we're very much more the same. We all love winning! South Africans always want to make themselves useful when there's a need. We're honestly some of the friendliest and most caring people in the world, and I think that's something really special about us."
The SA Youth Choir won hearts
The South African Youth Choir shared a choral performance dedicated to the women of South Africa.
The ensemble performed in coordinated outfits inside a warehouse-style venue, with the clip posted on 23 September 2026.
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Source: Briefly News
