Heritage Day on 24 September beckons South Africans to come together, beyond cultures and backgrounds, around the unmistakable aroma of sizzling flames the heart of the "braai". In 2025, in keeping with heritage's spirit of unity and progress, FOUR PAWS in South Africa is encouraging celebrants to embrace plant-based braai swaps, simple, tasty and kind.
The braai is a cornerstone of Heritage Day, a way to share stories, laughter and identity as we celebrate our Rainbow Nation. Now, we can elevate that tradition, ensuring it aligns with compassion for animals, our environment, and our wellbeing. "Heritage Day is about celebrating what makes South Africa unique, and that includes our deep connection to food and the outdoors," says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa. "By choosing plant-based options this Braai Day, we can honour our traditions while also taking a stand for animals, our health and the planet."
According to FOUR PAWS, top reasons to try plant-based braai swaps include:
- Reducing meat consumption supports animal welfare and lowers environmental harm.
- Simple recipes, such as mushroom medallions, vegetable kebabs, bean-based salads, or vegan potato salad, seat cruelty-free meals right at home.
- Plant-based braai swaps ensure that everyone, regardless of dietary choice, can join the braai without compromise.
- Plant-based alternatives honour rounded heritage by connecting respect for all life with cultural celebration.
"In a kinder world, our food choices would have no negative impact on animals, human health, or the environment. That world can start right here, at our braai grill, on Heritage Day," concludes Miles. "Small changes on our plates can have a big impact, this is a celebration where compassion should be part of the menu."
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za. You can also follow FOUR PAWS on Facebook, or on X.
*Image courtesy of Facebook