Orkney - Hundreds of people have started arriving at the James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney on Wednesday to celebrate Heritage Day and to listen to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver the main speech.
People wearing cultural attire were singing and dancing as they waited for the official programme to start.
Despite the windy conditions, the crowd was in jovial spirits as they waved t-shirts and flags in the air.
Sounds of whistles and vuvuzelas could be heard resonating throughout the stadium as a small group of African National Congress supporters, dressed in the party's regalia, sang.
Deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to deliver the keynote address later in the day.
This year's theme is “tell your story”.
Heritage Day is a public holiday in South Africa where people are encouraged to celebrate the many cultures in the country and their heritage.
Many people dress up in their cultural clothing and the streets are filled with people wearing their full traditional finery.
A campaign, started a few years ago, has also dubbed it “Braai Day” where people are encouraged to take time out to barbecue with friends and family either at home, or at one of the shisa nyama restaurants where patrons buy meat on site and socialise while it is being braaied for them. - Sapa