Flying the South African Flag

The month of September marks one of the most important months in the South African calendar- Heritage Month. The 24th of September sees the beauty and diversity of South Africa being celebrated annually.

The significance of Heritage Day is connecting South Africa through all cultures, religions, beliefs and indigenous languages amongst things that make our country a great nation.

This unique day also affords proud South Africans the opportunity to embrace their national identity and fosters nation building.

For many of us, including the wonderful champion athletes that the rainbow nation have celebrated on this day of cultural diversity that brings everyone from all walks of life together, this day continues to be a Public Holiday that we fly the flag of our beautiful country high.

gsport has taken the opportunity to find out from few female athletes that have and continue to fly the country’s flag, what really makes them proudly South Africans, and their desires for the future for Mzansi’s women sport.

“South Africa as a country will always support us, even if you are Black, Coloured or White.” – South African hurdler, Rogail Joseph

At age 19, hurdles sensation Rogail Joseph was not even born when the first Heritage Day was celebrated in 1995, but as a millennial she is grateful to be part of a country the celebrates and supports each other.

“That South Africa as a country will always support us, even if you are Black, Coloured or White, that makes me a proud South African.”

As a country that is still young in its democracy, the Worcester-born emerging athlete hopes that as time moves on, this beautiful rainbow nation will continue to honour and respect each other.

“To keep shining as we have, and to improve every year as we go. All the best to our country for everything that is still going to happen,” she said.

“What makes me proud is to be an African woman is my culture.” Paralympic gold medallist, Ntombizanele Situ

One of the nation’s greatest, our first black Paralympic gold medallist Ntombizanele Situ, who never let her disability deter her from becoming an international javelin star, has shared similar sentiments.

“What makes me proud is to be an African woman is my culture,” said Situ, as she went on to mention her hopes for the future of South Africa, especially with the recent violent attacks.

“In future, my wish is to see more women in sport, less violence in our country; not forgetting abuse to our children and women. Also, less drugs users.”

World renowned sprint canoer Bridgitte Hartley has been successfully flying the South African flag high in various countries around the world, and is proud that she has been afforded the opportunity to travel and engage with people from different cultural backgrounds.

“Racing for South Africa has been a part of my life since 2005. I have grown mentally and physically by being a proudly South African athlete, as well as traveling and making friends from different cultures! My favourite quote which sums this up is by Nelson Mandela; “Sport has the power to change the world!”

South African cricketer, Mignon du Preez took to her Instagram account (@mdpminx22) to share this message: “Happy Heritage Day South Africa! Let’s continue to embrace our unique diversity and start throwing kindness around like it’s confetti!”

Happy Heritage Day, Mzansi!

Photo 1 Caption: South African canoer Bridgitte Hartley continues to fly the South African flag high and was TeamSA’s flag-bearer at the 2019 African Games closing ceremony. Photo: @TeamSA19 on Twitter