Corporate-Traveller-South-Africa-SUM-Heritage-Day-business-trip-packing-tips

The Real Makoya: What to Pack (and What to Leave) This Heritage Day

South Africans are fiercely patriotic, especially when travelling abroad.

This Heritage Day, we're helping business travellers celebrate our diverse cultural heritage with proudly South African travel tips, including what to pack, what to ditch, and corporate gifts that capture the magic of Mzansi.

Proudly South African

South Africans abroad? They’re as easy to spot as a mielie at a braai. We say “shame” at wildly inappropriate times, ask uber drivers to drop us at the “robot”, and yes, we’re probably the loudest supporters in the sports bar (because obviously, we’re world champs at everything).

We also LOVE sharing our cultural heritage. A proud South African will share a packet of biltong, discuss the merits of a proper rusk, and explain the difference between 'now now' and 'just now' – all before your board meeting in Bangkok.

South Africans celebrate Heritage Day on the 24th of September. It’s an official public holiday, and if you’re travelling, you might be looking for some corporate gifts that encapsulate our nation’s cultural melting pot.

But did you know you could be sharing some cultural imposters? It’s true! Some brands we’re fiercely loyal to here in SA have roots in far-flung corners of the globe. (How very ‘rainbow nation’ of us!)

Buckle up: let’s quiz your knowledge with a few “heritage” favourites that might not be as local as you think. Then, we’ll serve up real deal, homegrown swaps you can share with pride.

The imposters we adore

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Zam-Buk: Ouch, this one stings more than your dry lips in August. Born in England, not... Ermelo. Sure, it’s distributed here, but it’s now made in Thailand (for Bayer) and not the original Saffa we like to think it is.
Carling Black Label: Affectionately called ‘Zamalek’. Brewed in SA since the ’60s, but the brand? Canadian!

Marie Biscuits: Originally invented by London bakery, Peek Freans, before the Brits brought them to South Africa, where Bakers Biscuits began producing them in 1898. Cue instant popularity!
Aromat: Our sprinkle-everywhere hero? Swiss roots, folks.

They’re tasty, they’re nostalgic, but are they really waving our flag? Hmm, maybe not.

Homegrown gifts that always impress

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Want to show off some our authentic hospitality with your clients and business partners? Pop these proudly local legends in your carry-on:

Khoisan Gourmet: Rooibos tea, fancy salts, pantry treats. Authentically SA.
Inverroche or Hope Distillery gin: Local botanicals, knockout taste. A story you can sip on.

Afrikoa Chocolate: Ethically sourced cocoa from Africa, crafted at home. Sweet, with a good cause.
Da Gama Three Cats Shweshwe: Iconic fabric, still made in the Eastern Cape. That’s heritage stitched in.
Wedgewood Nougat: Indulgent nougat, straight from a KZN farm. Classy, but lekker.

These swaps support local businesses and communities – the heartbeat of Heritage Day in South Africa.

Heritage Day Packing Tips

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Before you pack, a few quick rules of thumb for smooth sailing:

Keep it modest: Many companies cap gift values and expect them to be logged.
Alcohol sensitivities: Some countries ban alcohol imports – always check before packing that gin or carry an alcohol-free or vegan alternative to be safe.

Food rules: No meat or dairy into the UK, US, Australia, or New Zealand. Stick to teas, chocolates, spices, textiles. (If you’re looking for droëwors or biltong, lots of SA shops in the UK, US or even Down Under will oblige – don’t try and stash vacuumed sealed biltong at the bottom of your bag!)
Liquids: Max 100 ml in carry-on; larger items go in checked luggage or buy sealed at duty-free. So, while you might want to gift a bottle of Stellenbosch’s finest red, liquid restrictions mean you’ll have to buy it in duty-free – or pack a bottle very (very) carefully in your checked bag.

Short on time? Ask your travel manager (or TMC) to arrange local hampers, and always ask for support, info, or duty-free guidance if you’re feeling unsure.

South African-isms abroad

Sometimes, being a Saffa is the souvenir. We’re a vibe. And that’s a heritage all on its own.

Accepting money, change or business cards with the right hand, with the left hand lightly touching the forearm is a classic sign of respect.

Switching between English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, mid-sentence – effortless “code-mixing.”

Ordering slap tjips and confusing the world’s waiters.

Saying “No, man!” - everything from protest to praise.

And of course, explaining “just now” to a baffled colleague in London… only to realise you don’t really know what it means either.

A Heritage Day to Remember!

Heritage Day’s about our kaleidoscope culture. For corporate travel, it’s the chance to showcase it, whether in a handshake, a snack, or a story.

“The right gift says more than a business card ever could. When a South African shares something authentic, it’s a story, a bit of home, and a dash of rainbow nation charm. That’s what the world remembers.”
- Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller,

So, before you zip up that suitcase for Berlin or Boston, ditch the imposters and pack the real Saffa deals. And if you’re unsure? Lean on your TMC for quick customs, duty-free, or gifting advice. Because nothing says “proudly South African” like the taste, feel, and spirit of home.

About Flight Centre Travel Group
The Flight Centre Travel Group is one of the world’s largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers. The company, which is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, has company-owned leisure and corporate travel business in dozens of countries, spanning Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Asia. ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) also operates the global FCM corporate travel management network, which extends to more than 100 countries through company-owned businesses and independent licensees, along with Corporate Traveller, the flagship business specific to the small-to-medium-sized enterprise sector. For more information, visit fctgl.com.