In Remitly’s 2024 study, the nation topped the world’s friendliest list, earning 34.63 out of 40 on the Big Five Personality Test’s agreeableness trait. That finding meets its perfect match on Heritage Day, affectionately known as Braai Day, when people across Mzansi gather to salute a patchwork of cultures by doing what they do best: Lighting fires, sharing food and swapping stories.
From cities and townships to farms, complexes and public spaces, smoke rises like a national flag on September 24 – and the day is well seasoned with laughter.
Eleven official languages might divide the dictionary, but the stories told around the braai translate beautifully as a neighbour becomes a ‘bru’ and a visitor a ‘chommie’. It turns out South Africans of every heritage share at least two great things in common: A love of braais and a signature friendliness.
