HR leaders share how they embrace the spirit of Heritage Day by fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging in their workplaces, proving that true strength lies in unity through diversity.
September marks Heritage Month in South Africa, with the 24th of the month being celebrated as Heritage Day, a time to reflect on and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, history and the beauty that makes the country unique. It is a time for South Africans to honour their heritage and embrace the diverse backgrounds that shape their identity as a nation.
In HR, diversity, belonging, equality and inclusion are key to building strong, connected teams. Heritage Day really brings these values to life, a stark reminder that the true strength of any organisation comes from its diverse people. To dive deeper into this, CHRO South Africa chatted with some top HR leaders to find out what Heritage Day means to them and how they bring its values into their everyday work.
Trevor Dale, group HR manager at Raubex Group, reflects on the deep connection between HR and Heritage Day, noting that both work toward preserving what’s valuable. “These two go hand in hand, striving equally hard in preserving and cherishing natural and cultural heritage in our country while appreciating the rich history.” For him, the day represents more than just a holiday – it’s a reflection of the balance HR plays in upholding the cultural and historical richness of the country. “It is a celebration of cultural diversity, history, and unity. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and stories that form South Africa's collective identity. To me, it symbolises inclusivity, respect for different backgrounds, and the celebration of what makes each individual unique.Incorporating the spirit of the day into HR fosters an environment where cultural diversity is not just acknowledged, but celebrated and ingrained in the organisational culture.”
Phumzile Hlatshwayo, executive for human capital at Netstar, offers a more personal perspective, focusing on the historical significance of the day. “This day comes from the history of why we have it as a public holiday, which many may not know or have forgotten,” she says.
Growing up, Phumzile says she knew the day as ‘Shaka's Day’, in honour of the Zulu king. “It was called Shaka’s Day because it’s the day he died. I don’t have a suitable English word, but the King does not pass away, we say ikhotheme.” She notes how the day has evolved over time – from Shaka’s Day to Heritage Day and even Braai Day – and questions what the next transformation might be. “That is the meaning I carry and it's rooted in the origin of the day. It may be an uncomfortable and unpopular view, but we can’t change it, it’s a fact.”
In terms of how the day ties into work culture, Phumzile believes it’s about fostering unity and vision within organisations. “The day means building, togetherness, vision, victory and unity. Integrating it into company policies means aligning it with embracing diversity and inclusion of different cultures and celebrating such, since the day is due to the person who built and united with a vision to unite the nation.”
Meanwhile, Londiwe Mncube, CHRO at the Competition Commission South Africa, celebrates Heritage Month by acknowledging the diversity within the country’s workplaces. “Heritage Month, for me, symbolises the acknowledgment and appreciation of the beauty of our country and its rich history as we foster cross-cutting positive relationships in the workplace,” she shares.
She views the month as a time to bring awareness to intersectionality in the workplace, helping employees work toward a shared vision. “I integrate it in the workplace through our diversity and inclusion strategy, which places emphasis on the responsibilities we all have in being considerate as a community.”
Kyle Chetty, head of people at Planet42, considers Heritage Day one of the most meaningful celebrations. “I really look forward to celebrating Heritage Day. We live in a wonderful country that gives us the opportunity to celebrate a diverse group of heritage, culture and behaviours,” he remarks.
Chetty views the day as an opportunity to connect with others and deepen his understanding of different perspectives. “In HR, diversity can help us with policies to prevent discrimination, while multiculturalism can help us gain a deeper understanding of the differences between people and celebrate each other.”
Whether it is through policy initiatives or building stronger relationships, these HR professionals show just how important Heritage Day is for bringing people together and celebrating diversity in the workplace.
