Heritage Day in South Africa is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September. It is a day to commemorate the heritage of the country's people and to promote cultural diversity.
The day was first celebrated in 1995, after the end of apartheid. It is also known as National Braai Day, because of the tradition of cooking meat over an open fire.
Many iconic brands have become synonymous with South Africa. These brands have been around for generations and have helped to shape our country's identity.
here are 5 of our favourite iconic South African brands that we love to indulge in especially on Heritage Day!
Simba chips
Simba chips are one of the most loved chip brands in South Africa. The brand was established in 1966 and has been a "braai" staple in South African households for decades when Ouma Greyvenstein's (founder of Ouma Rusks) son came up with the idea of expanding the family business. In 1955, after a tour of America, Andre Greyvensteyn started the chip business and would become the chairman of Simba in 1960 on the death of his father. You cannot show up to a "braai" without bringing a packet of your favourite flavour of Simba chips with you.

Source: Simba (South African company)
Oros
The Oros brand was founded in 1899 by Charles Brookes, and family fun time changed forever. Although the idea of Oros immediately conjures up the distinctive orange taste, the first flavour in the range was actually Lemos. But South Africa spoke, their preference for orange was heard and “the original orange squash” was developed.
Source: Tiger Brands Out of Home
All Gold Tomato Sauce
All Gold Tomato Sauce is one of the most popular tomato sauce brands in South Africa. It has been a part of our heritage for generations, the brand originated in 1908 and is the market-leading product of tomato sauces, jams and pasta sauces in South Africa.
Launch of SA’s most iconic Tomato Sauce
The ‘secret’ to ALL GOLD’s unique recipe was brought to South Africa by Scottish chemist, John Semble, for production by H. Jones and Co. This jam manufacturing company in Paarl, Western Cape is a humble beginning for the brand, as the well-loved product was originally made by lowering muslin bags filled with herbs and spices into pots of ripe, freshly crushed tomatoes.
1947
Royal Family treated to the delights of ALL GOLD
On their first visit to South Africa, reigning monarch King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princes Margaret are treated to the delights of ALL GOLD on the Royal Train.
All Gold Tomato Sauce is made from only the finest ingredients and has a unique, full-flavoured taste that is loved by all. The seeds are carefully chosen to ensure the best quality tasting tomato sauce that all can enjoy!
Source:
Our Heritage
Mrs Ball's Chutney
Mrs Ball's Chutney is a South African condiment made from fruit, vinegar and spices. It was first created in 1899 by Emma Ball, a homemaker from Cape Town. Mrs Ball's Chutney is now produced by the company she founded, Cape Herb and Spice.
Most South Africans are die-hard fans of Mrs Ball's Chutney, it is generally used in stews and curries to spice up the flavour and is occasionally used as a side dip at a braai.
For the full story read more here: The Real Story behind Mrs H.S. Ball’s Chutney
Ouma Rusks
Ouma Rusks are a type of South African biscuit that is made from wholewheat flour, milk and butter and the company originated in 1927. The rusks are then soaked in coffee or tea before being served. It originates in the small Eastern-Cape town of Molteno, when Ouma Greyvensteyn decided to start baking rusks for the community around her during the Great Depression, the town's pastor offered each female member of his congregation money to start local businesses and increase their family income. It became a brand name that has been used since the 1930s. Any South African asking a friend or a family member for an "Ouma Rusk" will know exactly what they are talking about - it is loved by all South Africans and a staple in all South African household pantries.
Heritage Day in South Africa
These are just some of the heritage brands that have become a huge part of the South African culture that we love. They are often brought to traditional South African "braai's" and are widely loved by South Africans. Heritage Day is a day to celebrate all that these brands represent and to enjoy the memories that they evoke. It is also a day to reflect on the heritage of our country and to appreciate the diversity of our people.
What are your favourite iconic South African brands? Let us know on our social media channels!
Happy Heritage Day!
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