Digital Heritage: How Social Media is Changing the Way We Celebrate

Heritage Month in South Africa is a special time. Every September, we are reminded of the importance of remembering where we come from and celebrating the diverse traditions that make up our nation. Families often gather to enjoy cultural food, music, and clothing, while schools and workplaces encourage people to dress in traditional attire. It is a month that connects us to our roots and reminds us of our shared history.

The highlight of the month is Heritage Day on 24 September, when South Africans across the country proudly showcase their cultures. Many organisations encourage staff to arrive at work dressed in traditional clothing or to bring dishes from their cultural background to share with colleagues. These events are more than just fun dress-up days, they create opportunities for people to learn from one another, celebrate diversity in the workplace, and enjoy the richness of South Africa’s food traditions. From isiZulu beadwork to Tswana stews, from Indian curries to Afrikaans koeksisters, workplaces turn into lively spaces of cultural exchange.

In recent years, social media has added a new layer to these celebrations. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have become powerful tools for South Africans to show off their cultural pride. These platforms are changing how we celebrate Heritage Month, making it easier for young people to share and learn about culture in new and exciting ways.

One of the most noticeable shifts is how quickly cultural moments can spread online. A single TikTok dance inspired by traditional steps can go viral, reaching audiences far beyond our borders. In the same way, a recipe once shared quietly in the family kitchen can now be filmed on a phone and uploaded to Instagram, where thousands of people can watch, try it out, and pass it on. Social media has turned cultural exchange into something instant, accessible, and fun.

Food has been one of the most popular ways that heritage is celebrated online. Young cooks and food lovers are putting modern twists on traditional recipes, creating meals that are both familiar and fresh. Amagwinya are now being stuffed with chocolate or cheese, kotas are packed with gourmet fillings, and chakalaka has found its place in vegan-friendly dishes. Videos of these recipes are often short and easy to follow, meaning that heritage food is not only preserved but reimagined for new generations.

Fashion has also become a digital stage for cultural pride. Streetwear designers and everyday South Africans are blending traditional prints and beadwork with sneakers, hoodies, and bucket hats. These looks often appear first on Instagram or TikTok before becoming trends in real life. In this way, fashion has become a bold and modern way of saying, “I’m proud of who I am.”

Music and art are also finding a global audience thanks to social media. Amapiano, born in the townships, has exploded onto the world stage. Much of its success can be linked to social media platforms where DJs and dancers share their mixes and routines, gaining international recognition. Visual artists are also mixing the old with the new, using digital tools to combine traditional patterns with modern design. Their work travels far beyond their communities when shared online, giving global audiences a taste of South African creativity.

Heritage Month has always been about pride and connection. What social media has done is make it easier for these stories, foods, dances, and traditions to be shared widely. It reminds us that heritage is not only about the past, but also about how we live and celebrate today. Through social media, South Africans are shaping new traditions while keeping old ones alive, ensuring that our culture remains dynamic, proud, and uniquely ours.