5 ideas to celebrate Freedom Day at home

Mandela’s footsteps with these two films. To learn more about Nelson Mandela’s life and recent South African history, they propose two inspiring films: Mandela: Long Road to Freedom, a 2013 film starring Idris Elba, based on Mandela’s autobiography from childhood; and the world-famous Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, which tells the true story of how Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of the South African rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite his country. .

Listen to real South African music. Music always plays an important role in celebrations and events, even if they are at home. To feel the South African vibes, the song Thuma Mina (Send me) by Hugh Masekela, which transmits a moving message of commitment, altruism and helps the country and the people who need it most. Another iconic South African singer was Miriam Makeba, also known as “Mama Afrika”, who became popular thanks to her song Pata Pata. And to get an overview of South African sounds and voices, there are plenty of playlists like “South African Classics” that includes the 100 Greatest South African Hits of All Time.

Read a book by a South African author. If the story seems boring sometimes it is because the right book is not chosen. Tourism in South Africa recommends two authors who can guide you through a narrative journey: Nadine Gordimer, South African writer and political activist awarded the 1991 Nobel Prize for Literature, with her books Burger’s Daughter and July’s people; and Trevor Noah, renowned South African humorist and TV presenter especially famous for Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Childhood, an autobiographical comedy about growth during the Apartheid era.

Cook a traditional dish. South African cuisine reflects the character of the rainbow nation: the fusion of different cultures and products. There are many traditional recipes that can be easily made at home. For example, preparing the real South African braai, which is usually done outdoors, but without going outside you can make a homemade grill with meat, cheese and vegetables. As an alternative, cooking a bobotie, a tasty dish made with meat and dried fruit, follows Chef Dumi’s recipe and uses a regular oven instead.

Pair it with a South African wine. South African wine has a history dating back to 1659, with the first bottle produced in Cape Town by its founder Jan van Riebeeck. There is a lot of variety, but you can start by discovering something more about some particular wines: for example, not everyone knows that Mandela’s favorite wine was “Vin de Constance”, a sweet wine of the likes of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen . Another great winery to discover is House of Mandela, whose bottles are dedicated to South African history and culture, or for the more experienced, Rupert & Rothschild makes an exceptional blend of reds.

With these ideas, you can create a liberating experience without leaving home, learn more about the South African destination, and take note of these tips as inspiration for your future events.