‘Both are part of me’: Youth celebrate Indian and South African heritage - IOL

HERITAGE Day is a time for South Africans to come together to celebrate South Africa’s rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions.

As citizens enjoy shared meals and don traditional attire, youth spoke with the POST about navigating being South African and of Indian descent - uncovering how their dual heritage shapes their identities and encourages cultural appreciation.

 Abigail Pillay, 20, a Christian from Queensburgh, is a great-great-granddaughter of the Padavatan Six who helped rescue people during the 1917 uMngeni River floods in Durban.

“Knowing that someone in my own family played a role in helping others during such a difficult moment makes heritage feel very real to me. It is not simply history that I read about. It is a story that has been passed down through my own family.

“So heritage for me is the story of the people who came before me and the values they left behind. It gives me a sense of where I come from and reminds me that my identity is connected to generations of people who lived, struggled, contributed and built lives in South Africa.

“My great-great-grandfather Gangan Padavathan's story is something I want to keep alive because it represents values that I believe are important - courage, resilience, compassion and helping others. That legacy reminds me that heritage is not only about remembering where our ancestors came from; it is also about remembering the kind of people they were.”

Abigail does not see her Indian heritage and her South African identity as separate.

“They are both part of me. I think of it as having two sides of the same story: my Indian ancestry represents my roots, while South Africa is the country in which those roots grew. My ancestors brought their culture and traditions with them, but they also became part of the story of South Africa.

“My great-great-grandfather is an example of that. He was part of the Indian community in Durban, but his actions during the 1917 floods became part of the wider history of South Africa. That makes me proud to say that my Indian heritage is also part of my South African heritage.”

Dinisha Dhanai, 30, a travel consultant from Durban, said: “Heritage is the living compass that anchors my identity while guiding my path forward. It is far more than a collection of static history. It is the vibrant tapestry of culture, values, family stories, and traditions passed down through generations.

“Heritage spans both the tangible, such as family recipes, photographs, and cherished heirlooms, and the intangible, felt in our music, language, and unspoken values.”

She said heritage offered a sense of rootedness in a fast-paced, ever-changing world.

“It provides context for who I am and reminds me that I am part of a story much larger than myself. Knowing where I come from gives me strength during challenging times, grounding me in the resilience and wisdom of those who came before me. Without a connection to my heritage, it is easy to feel adrift; with it, I have a firm foundation upon which to make decisions and build my future,” said Singh, who is Hindi-speaking.

“Each generation acts as both a trustee and an editor of this legacy, honouring the past while adapting traditions so we can carry them forward into the future with clarity, purpose, and pride. For me, heritage is not something to simply remember - it is something to actively live, celebrate, and preserve every day.

“Ultimately, maintaining our heritage is an intentional responsibility. It means actively passing down our stories, values, and traditions to the next generation so that the rich legacy built by those before us continues to flourish far into the future.”

She regarded herself as a South African with strong Indian roots.

“My Indian heritage is an important part of my identity, while being South African has shaped the way I see diversity, community and belonging. I don't feel that I have to choose between the two. I can embrace my Indian culture while celebrating the country I call home.”

Junaid Rahim, 23, from Phoenix, said that through sport, he made friends from different races, many of whom were interested in learning about his Indian culture.

“Similarly, I was interested in learning about their cultures, whether it was new words in Zulu, trying new foods and clothes, or experiencing and learning about South African culture to the fullest.”

The sports science and management graduate, who works as a sports coach, celebrates his heritage by dressing in traditional attire and preparing traditional food on special occasions like Eid, as well as by often cooking Indian dishes.

“Heritage to me means my identity as an Indian Muslim in South Africa. It is what we inherit from our family and community. It refers to the cultural beliefs, values, faiths, languages, and traditions that we have learnt and followed.

“One of the most important ways I practice my heritage is through prayer and I try my best to live by the core values of Islam, which include respecting my family and others, helping those in need, being truthful, and remaining humble.”

Daarshan Reddy, 30, an entrepreneur and business owner of Durban, maintains his heritage through his family, traditions, food, religious practices and the values that were instilled in him growing up.

“Growing up in South Africa has given me a strong sense of our country’s history, diversity and shared identity, while my Indian heritage has given me my traditions, values and cultural roots. I believe the beauty of being South African is that we can embrace our individual cultures while still being part of one diverse nation.”

He added that heritage meant remembering where you come from.

“It is about understanding and appreciating your roots, the traditions passed down through generations, the mannerisms, values, beliefs and lessons that have shaped who we are today.

“Heritage is also about knowing what to carry forward and what to leave behind. Every generation inherits something from the generation before it, and we have a responsibility to preserve the positive traditions and values that make us who we are, while allowing ourselves to grow with the times.”

Timika Keandra Reddy, 27, an attorney of Queensburgh said: “I am proud of my Indian roots and being South African is not contradictory. My Indian heritage tells part of the story of where I come from, while being South African tells the story of where I belong.

“It is knowing where we come from, understanding the sacrifices that were made before us, and deciding what values we want to carry into the future.”

As a young South African Indian woman, Timika is proud of the heritage she had inherited.

“I am equally proud to be part of a generation that is questioning what kind of South Africa we want to build. Part of that heritage is understanding the journey of those who came before us.

“South African Indians experienced indenture, discrimination and apartheid, but many also stood up against injustice and contributed to the broader struggle for a free and democratic South Africa. That resilience is part of our heritage too.”

“My heritage has taught me the importance of family, tradition and respect, while my career has reinforced for me the importance of dignity, equality and having a society where people are treated with fairness.

“For young women, that also means acknowledging the challenges we continue to face, including the devastating reality of gender-based violence and femicide.

The future we celebrate must also be one where women can live with dignity, safety and respect. I believe our generation has a responsibility to use our voices and help shape that future.”

Kelita Shaydeen Singh, 19, of Phoenix, said heritage was a reminder of where she comes from and the people, traditions and values that have shaped the person she is today.

"Heritage is not only about preserving the past; it’s also about carrying it with you while creating your own story,” said Singh, a model and content creator.

“Through my experiences in modelling, content creation and community work, I have met people from different backgrounds and appreciate how much culture adds to who we are.

“Heritage is something to be proud of. It reminds me to never forget my roots, while still giving me the freedom to grow, dream and become my own person. I think the most beautiful part is knowing that one day, the things I value and the memories I create will become part of the story I leave behind.”