Find out as media update's Lara Smit delves into the history of this day and why it's important for marketers to incorporate it in their strategies:Why the 24th of September? The roots of Heritage Day are in the date that it is celebrated. In South Africa (SA),
the 24th of September was known as "Shaka's Day", which memorialised the famous late King Shaka Zulu.
When "Shaka's Day" was eliminated as a candidate from the Public Holidays Bill, it was protested by the Inkatha Freedom Party. Although "Shaka's Day" wasn't re-added to the Bill, a compromise was made: Instead of having a holiday celebrating only the Zulu heritage, South Africa would have one that acknowledged the heritage of
all its diverse cultures.
In 1996, "Heritage Day" was introduced as a national day dedicated to honouring the abundance and variety of SA's cultures.
Why should marketers celebrate it?Heritage Day lets marketers exercise their company’s corporate social responsibility in a positive and meaningful way. How so?
By celebrating this holiday, marketers can spread awareness for and preserve the cultures and traditions of SA. Additionally, they can kindle patriotism in South Africans by affirming, representing and celebrating their SA identities.
By creating Heritage Day content that is light-hearted, fun and relatable, marketers will also be able to entertain their SA audience while building connections with them and their brand. Therefore, their messaging will resonate better with their audiences.
What other ways do you think marketers can benefit from incorporating the Heritage Day theme into their strats? Let us know in the comments section below.
Want to find out what else your strategy needs this Heritage Month? Then be sure to read our article,
Marketers, here's what your strategy needs in 2022.
*Image courtesy of Canva