Father's Day in South Africa

Gift-Giving

Giving gifts has become a customary practice in South Africa during the country’s celebration of Father’s Day. These gifts, either big or small, expensive, or not, is the best way seen by many South Africans to better express their gratitude and appreciation towards their fathers and father figures. The fathers (like mothers) are the main pillars responsible for the upbringing and the development of the child’s physical and emotional well-being. So, on Father’s Day, it is not uncommon for most South Africans to give back to their fathers or anyone whom they have paternal bonds with, by presenting them with gifts, and making the day special for them. The gifts typically given are custom hamper, flowers, box of chocolates & sweets, champagne, South African wine, whisky, brandies (and other good quality alcoholic drinks), customized beer bottle, cigars, clothing, accessories, and biltong (Biltong is a dried, cured meat originating in Southern African countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, etc.). The children would also hand out special Father’s Day cards to be given on all father figures in the family. The cards are usually personally made, making it extra special for the recipients.

Special Meal

A special meal is observed by many people in South Africa during Father’s Day. The country’s restaurants (be it fine dining or average restaurants) gets a bit crowded at this time of year since a lot of people would choose to eat outside to celebrate the day. And while it is a popular choice for many South Africans to arrange for a special lunch or dinner outside, several others would also stay home and prepare special home-cooked meals for their dads instead. Typical dishes commonly served on this day are bobotie (a South African dish which consists of a spiced minced meat, baked with an egg-based toppings), boerewors (a type of sausage of South African origin), biltong tartare, roasted vegetables, salads, and Father’s Day cake.

Family Gatherings

Although Father’s Day is not a public holiday, yet since it is observed on a Sunday, family gatherings is oftentimes seen in South Africa. The celebration is taken by many as an opportunity to hang around with families and relatives and celebrate the occasion together. Whether the celebration is simple or extravagant, Father’s Day becomes an exceptional celebration if it is spent with one’s own family and loved ones. In South Africa, those sons/daughters who are old enough to drink alcoholic beverages, often treat their fathers to a drink on this day too.

Common Activities

Being a father is never an easy job. Considering the wide responsibilities all fathers shoulder, it is just right to have a special day where they can be honored and appreciated. In South Africa, aside from gifts and special meals, another way to show their love and care for their fathers is by taking over on his chores on Father’s Day. Their fathers are especially taken care of on this day. Some would even prepare breakfast in bed for their dads, while greeting him a Happy Father’s Day early in the morning.

Spending Father’s Day outdoors is also common in South Africa. South Africa, being located in the Southern Hemisphere, has its winter season from June to August, opposite to the season in the countries belonging to the Northern Hemisphere. Although the month of June is the start of the winter season in the country, the weather is still generally dry and cool since at this time, the snow would only fall in the mountainous regions (except Cape Town, this city gets most of its rain in wintertime due to its Mediterranean climate). Therefore, picnics, braais (barbecues in English), and other outdoor activities which most dads like to do (e.g. fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, etc.) are also popular choices taken by many South Africans to celebrate Father’s Day.