Heritage Day on 24 September is South Africa’s favourite excuse to light the fire, share good food, and celebrate our country’s rich cultural mix. But this year, why not take things up a notch? With some simple planning, clever shopping, and a touch of style, your Heritage Day braai can be more than just delicious — it can be memorable. Here’s how to pull it off.
Step 1: Lock in the Meat (Without Burning Your Budget)
No braai is complete without the classics — juicy boerewors, succulent chops, and a steak or two. Buying smartly means buying early and in bulk. Keep an eye on Heritage Day specials at the likes of Makro who will sometimes have Heritage Day-specific deals. Currently, Shoprite have a deal focused on braai items (valid until 12 October 2025), where you can get 500g of Farmer Joe’s boerewors for just R24.99 as well as chicken braai packs for R39. There is also a range of marinades and snacks on special, as well as a good deal on firelighters and charcoal.
Then simply swipe your RCS Store Card and you not only bag the savings but also spread the cost over the upcoming months, ensuring you can go big without burning your budget.
Step 2: Style the Setup
An awesome braai isn’t just about what’s on the fire — it’s about atmosphere. Stylish touches create the vibe:
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Builders has seasonal bargains on outdoor essentials like patio chairs, parasols, and fairy lights. Add them to your garden and suddenly your braai feels like an occasion.
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Upgrade your serving game with stylish trays and wooden chopping boards, with a variety of options available from Game.
With your RCS Store Card, you can shop décor, furniture, and accessories at thousands of network stores. The right table setup - colourful salads, drinks on ice, and a few rustic accents – sets the perfect tone.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Fire
Every braai master knows the flame is king. Now’s a great time to invest in the tools that make it easier:
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Builders often has deals on charcoal, wood, and Weber-style braais leading into spring. Keep an eye out for combo packs of charcoal and firelighters, often at a discount.
Add a stylish touch by picking up a modern grid or cast-iron potjie, and ensure that you stock up on a new braai lighter and gloves.
Step 4: Drinks, Snacks, and Sweet Endings
Heritage Day isn’t just about the main course. Stock up on affordable sides and extras:
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Makro Rollback specials cover bulk cooldrinks, beers, and mixers — all running through late September 2025.
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Snack platters, chips, and biltong bundles are often marked down around Heritage Day, helping you fill the table without overspending.
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For dessert, pick up a few tubs of ice cream or fresh fruit — another smart add-on from the Makro grocery aisle.
Step 5: Add Your Signature Touch
Want to stand out? Go beyond basics and start testing out new recipes in the upcoming weeks:
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Mix up a spice blend or marinade that could become a family legacy.
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Try potjiekos or grilled veggie skewers alongside the meat.
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Bring in music, games, or even a DIY photo corner - it’s Heritage Day, after all.
These little extras show style without breaking the bank — and your RCS Store Card makes it easy to shop everything from speakers at Incredible Connection to outdoor games such as darts at Game.
Step 6: Relax and Enjoy
The beauty of using your RCS Store Card is that it gives you room to breathe. And remember that you can also use your card online and have everything delivered directly to you. You can plan your Heritage Day braai properly - buying décor, meat, and extras at the right price - and still keep your budget intact. No frantic runs on the 23rd, no paying premium prices for last-minute meat.
Instead, you’ll have the coals glowing, drinks on ice, and a table that looks as good as the food tastes.
A stylish Heritage Day braai is about more than the fire - it’s about planning smart, shopping clever, and celebrating with flair. With great September specials at your disposal, plus the flexibility of your RCS Store Card, you can host a feast that’s affordable, flavourful, and unforgettable.
This Heritage Day, let your braai be a true reflection of South Africa — full of flavour, warmth, and style.
