Every year on 24 September, South Africans pause to celebrate Heritage Day. A reminder that our strength lies in the richness of our cultures, languages, and traditions. It is a day to wear our heritage with pride, whether through food, dress, or storytelling.
But heritage is not only about culture. It is also about the people who shape our collective identity, including those living with disabilities. Their stories of resilience, achievement, and leadership are part of what makes South Africa’s heritage worth celebrating.
Disability as Part of Our National Story
Disability has always been part of our communities, yet too often it is overlooked when we speak about who we are as a nation. True heritage is inclusive, it values not only different languages, religions, and traditions, but also the diverse abilities of all South Africans. Recognising the role of persons with disabilities reminds us that our heritage is not complete unless everyone has a place at the table of belonging.
Symbols of Resilience and Pride
Natalie du Toit – Swimming Against the Current
Natalie du Toit was only 17 when a scooter accident led to the amputation of her leg. For many, that would have ended a promising career in sport, but Natalie’s determination carried her back into the pool within months. By 2001, she was competing again at international level, and in 2008, she made history as one of the first athletes with a disability to compete in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. She went on to win multiple gold medals, but her legacy goes far beyond the podium. Natalie showed the world that loss can become a story of triumph, and she remains a proud South African icon of resilience and courage.
Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu – Leading with Vision
Born blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu has never allowed her disability to define her limits. Instead, she dedicated her life to advocating for disability rights in South Africa. As a Member of Parliament and later Deputy Minister of Public Works and Deputy Minister of Social Development, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that disability inclusion is not an afterthought, but a core part of government policy. From advocating for accessible infrastructure to championing South African Sign Language as our 12th official language, Hendrietta’s work has reshaped the way society views disability. Her leadership reminds us that visibility matters and that when persons with disabilities are represented in leadership, inclusion becomes a national priority.
Lyndon van Wyk – A Detective Who Refused to Quit
Not all heroes make headlines, but their impact is deeply felt in the lives they touch. One such figure is Detective Lyndon van Wyk, a dedicated SAPS officer who lost the use of his legs after an accident on 1 September 2018. Many would think his career in law enforcement would end, but Lyndon chose a different path. He adapted, continued working as a detective, and proved daily that skill, service, and commitment are stronger than physical barriers.
In his own words, he reflects: “For many of us, the 1st of September is the start of a new season, the beginning of a new quarter, or the day the paycheck arrives. For me, it’s also the day of a tragedy that happened years ago.
I realised I have, in truth, accepted my situation and moved forward. But then there’s that principle of causality, cause and effect. One thing happened, which led to another. The butterfly effect. In my case, one event caused a ripple of chaos. But I MUST move forward. At the end of the day, that is the only ideology that counts. It takes patience and time to sit quietly and wonder sometimes… but not for too long. Because you have to move on. So, whatever happens, you just keep moving.”
Today, Lyndon not only continues to serve as a detective, but also encourages others facing life-changing challenges. He embodies the quiet strength of South Africans who choose courage and perseverance, reminding us that resilience is also part of our heritage.
Building an Inclusive Heritage
This Heritage Day, as we gather around braais and celebrate our cultural diversity, let us also remember to advocate for accessibility and equality in all spaces, to honour the stories of persons with disabilities as part of our history and future and celebrate milestones like the recognition of South African Sign Language in 2023, a proud step towards inclusive heritage.
Heritage Day is not just about remembering the past — it is about shaping a future where everyone belongs. By embracing disability as part of our heritage, we take another step towards becoming a nation that truly celebrates unity in diversity.