Why to be proudly South African

Why to be proudly South African

Here are some great ways to celebrate all things South African, by Charis Le Riche. Join us on Diabetic South Africans to share your favourite reasons to be proudly South African.

Food, glorious food

One thing you have to say about South Africans: we know how to cook. Not only have we mastered the art of international cuisine, but our local dishes are a hit too.

In Durban you have the humble bunny chow (a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry); in the Cape it’s the Gatsby (a super sandwich sold as a footlong roll or in quarters); for those with a sweet tooth there’s the koeksister – Cape Malay style (traditionally balls of cooked potato, fried, soaked in syrup and covered in coconut) or Afrikaans-style (deep-fried plaited dough soaked in syrup). And for those who are more adventurous, there’s a township delicacy – the smiley: a cooked sheep’s head.

Say hello in 11 languages

SA is so diverse and varied that we have 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Because of this, you’ll find that most South Africans speak at least two languages. There are unofficial languages also recognised by the constitution: the Khoi, San and Nama languages, sign language, Portuguese, Hindi and indigenous creoles. We also have our own slang that can be a little confusing to outsiders (like the use of “shame” which can be applied in any situation – good or bad), but is very useful once mastered. Especially knowing the difference between “now”, “now now” and “just now”!

Every activity under the sun

South Africa is one of the few places where you can enjoy the perks of city living and country life all in one place. You can go shopping at world-class boutiques and then hike up Table Mountain within 20 minutes. We are spoiled with some of the finest wildlife reserves full of the Big 5 and more. For adrenaline junkies, there’s abseiling, sky diving, bungee jumping and even diving with Great White sharks. While those who want something more laidback will find plenty of wine farms, festivals and markets to choose from.

Beautiful landscapes

SA offers the world in one place. We’ve got rolling mountains, pristine oceans, roaring rivers and breathtaking urban cityscapes. And we’re blessed with some of the world’s most stunning landscapes: from the peaks of the Drakensberg on the border of Lesotho and the lush Tsitsikamma forests in the Eastern Cape, to the reef of Sodwana Bay and Limpopo’s Lake Fundudzi. This country is filled with wonders like God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon (on the border of Mpumalanga and Limpopo province), Table Mountain in the Cape and the Valley of Desolation in the Eastern Cape.

The braai and the shisa nyama

And, of course, last but not least – our passion for braais! Though most of the world enjoys this activity, calling it a BBQ, South Africans have made the braai a national pastime and we even spend our Heritage Day celebrating it (in Braai Day style). In townships there’s nothing like a shisa nyama – if you’re looking for one, keep an ear out for the sound of music, laughter and plenty of conversation.

Like every country, South Africa has its challenges. But we also have a lot to be proud of… And what better time to celebrate than right now. That’s why to be proudly South African!