Our Heritage SO much more than ons gaan nou braai

FUN FACT: South African born Jan Greeff holds the Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue marathon, which lasted 80 hours.

South Africans do not barbecue or barbie or have a cookout – we BRAAI.

The South African braai goes way beyond linguistics or a simple cooking method – it has been elevated to the status of a social and cultural institution.  The braai crosses all cultural and socio-economic barriers and is universally loved – and given the South African climate, it is an activity that we indulge in all year round, with gusto!

FUN FACT: The first mention that was made of a braai in a South African newspaper article, was in 1942 when a braai was organised to collect war funds.

It’s no surprise that we’ve managed to merge this favourite South African pastime with a very appropriate public holiday. Heritage Day, that is annually celebrated on 24 September, has been declared National Braai Day and is celebrated by South Africans everywhere – even by our national treasure Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Heritage Day recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of our nation. South Africans celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa.

UBUNTU: A quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity. Archbishop Desmond Tutu famously described Ubuntu as meaning ‘My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in what is yours’.

According to Ubuntu, there exists a common bond between us all and it is through this bond, through our interaction with our fellow human beings, that we discover our own human qualities.  This is of special importance within our diverse community, where the common thread throughout the richness and diversity that binds us, is our humanity. We affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others.

The Scary Tooth

FACT: The most common cause of school absenteeism is toothache.

Almost like lighting a fire for a braai, brushing our teeth daily or even twice-daily is a way of life for most (something you don’t have to think about at all). Having access to dental care (to preserve your pearly whites for chomping that tjoppie) is something you probably take for granted.

The thought of sharing one toothbrush with the rest of your family is unimaginable – yet for a large number of children in South Africa, this is a sad reality…

The majority of children in disadvantaged communities are not educated in oral health care at all, nor do they have access to dental healthcare.

FACT: Over 80% of children in South African townships suffer from tooth decay.

Braaing and brushing?

So in the spirit of Ubuntu, Leapfrog Property Group, in partnership with the Dental Wellness Trust, is committed to improving the oral health of children in socio-economically disadvantaged communities in South Africa by collecting children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste from around the country.

This year come Heritage Day on Saturday, 24 September when you go shopping for that lekker  piece of juicy steak, please consider adding a children’s toothbrush and toothpaste to your basket, for drop off at your closest Leapfrog Branch in our allocated toothbrush collection boxes!

FACT: Many children in South African townships have never had a toothbrush. Most share theirs with their family.

Good Deed for Good Teeth

It’s a very small gesture, but it can truly change a life for the better!

Join in on the conversation by posting a pic to Facebook or Twitter when you purchase or deliver your toothbrushes and/or toothpaste and including #brushingup on #oralhealth!