Orkney - Hundreds of people watched a military parade at the James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney as officials started arriving for Heritage Day celebrations on Wednesday.
The crowd screamed and ululated as the soldiers paraded and dignitaries arrived.
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa and North West province premier Supra Mahumapelo were the first to arrive at the stadium.
Deputy president and acting president Cyril Ramaphosa arrived to a loud welcome.
A 21-gun salute followed his entry into the stadium.
Silver Falcons flew overhead as the band played on the grounds.
The crowd cheered as the four planes flew high in the sky and performed aerial manoeuvre.
Ramaphosa was expected to deliver the keynote address for the day.
The theme for 2014 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