Archbishop Desmond Tutu and thousands of South Africans will soon ”thank heavens it’s Braai Day”.
Its purpose — to unite all those who live in the country — is close to Tutu’s heart, who was made the first patron of National Braai Day on Wednesday.
The day will coincide with National Heritage Day on September 24.
Braais — and their aroma — were commonplace in many South African settings and for many South Africans.
They happened anywhere from under the gum trees close to where hawkers sold meat at the entrance to Daveyton township, to a car park after a rugby match at Loftus Versveld.
According to Jan Scannell, chief executive of National Braai Day, Archbishop Tutu’s genuine and lifelong commitment to uniting South Africans of all creeds, colour and religious denominations personified the spirit of National Braai Day.
”I also hear the Archbishop braais a mean chop.”
Scannell expects about 30-million South Africans to participate in the third National Braai Day this year.
”Archbishop Tutu’s genuine support of this initiative is a huge moral boost for the people working behind the scenes to make Braai Day happen and will hopefully encourage more South Africans to celebrate our national pastime under one cloud of braai smoke,” he said. — Sapa