Celebrating South Africa's heritage

Heritage Month is a special time in South Africa. It's a time to light a braai fire, have a potjie and think about how blessed we are to live in such a diverse melting pot of cultures. As we reach the end of this auspicious month, we chatted to two Jawitz Properties property practitioners - Ashe Thaver and Brett Mantel - to get the lowdown on why they love South Africa, what they enjoy most about diversity, which South African tradition is their favourite and where their most loved part of our beautiful country is.

Things to love about living in South Africa

According to Mantel, one of the greatest things about being South African is the diversity. "This diversity shows itself in life, in social settings and in the workplace," he commented. "We have so many people from different cultures and walks of life in our office alone, and it makes every day interesting as each person is encouraged to bring their own viewpoint to every situation."

South Africa also has much to boast about in terms of its weather, and Thaver declares that "the sun, the glorious sun" is his favourite thing about living in South Africa. "Right now, I'm on holiday in Umhlanga and enjoying both the sea and sun," he explained. "When I feel the sun on my skin, I know that I'm home. I thrive on and relish every South African's smile and wave - even if it's a wave of anger in traffic!"

The joys of being from different backgrounds

In Thaver's office, everyone brings in lunch for everyone to share once a week. "This means our meal is a combination of Peggy or Eunice's pap and shisa nyama, Shegen or Beryl's briyani and lashings of Christina's very English salads - combined with Morné's oxtail and Rose's Woolies roast chicken. It's a smorgasbord of cultures and we certainly 'melt' together as a team."

From Mantel's perspective, it is really interesting to learn about other people's experiences and cultures. "We often grow up thinking, doing and believing certain things, and then when we engage with some of the awesome people around us, we realise that our experiences are vastly different from theirs," he commented. "In the office, we recently had a chat about our individual heritages -  where our ancestors came from and where we grew up. It was amazing to hear everyone's story and to realise that such vastly different people can be united by a common cause."

Favourite South African traditions

South Africa is famous for its cultural and culinary traditions - from braais and biltong to potjies and summer Christmases. When asked which is his favourite, Mantel commented that for him, it has to be big family gatherings, especially around Christmas. "In our family, we often find that a 'family' gathering turns out to include many friends as well. To this day, there is nothing I enjoy more than hosting a group of family members and friends in my home, talking, laughing, sharing stories and making memories."

"Of course, he adds, all of this happens around a braai!"

For Thaver, having a braai on Diwali is the quintessential example of South Africanness at its best. "It's the ultimate South African pastime, but with an Indian twist," he explains. "The menu typically consists of marinated lamb chops and 'Indian' sausages. It becomes a special day to have a ton of friends and family members over for a day of laughter and making happy memories."

South Africa's most beautiful place

From the white-sand beaches of the Western Cape to the majesty of the Drakensberg and far beyond, South Africa is home to an abundance of natural beauty. In Thaver's opinion, two places deserve the title of South Africa's most beautiful spot: Cape Town and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. "There's always something new to discover and Cape Town. On the other hand, when I need to recharge my batteries, it's off to the Midlands. The peace and tranquillity are unmatched."

Mantel says that Sterkfontein Dam, at the top of Oliviershoek Pass, is his favourite place in the rainbow nation. "The drive up the pass is spectacular," he explained, "and when you crest the ridge, you get a surprise view of the dam. It's a beautiful place to visit - even if you just drive past for the views!"

There is so much to love about South Africa and our heritage. All our property practitioners are passionate about our beautiful country, and we are on hand to help you find the perfect home in whichever corner of it you have fallen in love with. Contact us today and let's find you your new home.