Heinz Lights the Fire for a Giant Heritage Day Braai

South Africa has many ways of celebrating heritage.

But when the fire is lit, the meat hits the grill and people gather around the braai, something special happens.

This Heritage Day, Heinz is stepping into that distinctly South African tradition with a celebration designed to bring people together.

On Thursday, 24 September 2026, Heinz will host the Heinz Braai Day experience at The River Cabin in Fourways, Johannesburg, bringing its more than 150 years of heritage to the South African braai conversation.

And there will be plenty of room around the fire.

125 Braai Stands. One Giant Celebration.

From 12:00 to 15:00, South Africans can bring their meat, snacks and friends to the Heinz Braai Experience.

Heinz will provide the essentials needed to get the fires going, including 125 braai stands, coal, firelighters and Heinz sauces.

The experience will also feature activities and prizes, including Mix It Up, Giant Jenga, bean bag toss, family activities, giveaways and prizes.

The idea is not to tell South Africans how to braai.

Instead, Heinz is pulling up a chair and bringing its own taste to the table.

The 125 individual braai stands will come together as part of a striking visual representation of the iconic Heinz emblem, before the experience moves towards a giant communal table and Heritage Day celebration.

A Braai With a Heritage Day Twist

Choosing Heritage Day is no coincidence.

For Heinz, the day represents an opportunity to celebrate the culture, traditions and togetherness that make South Africa unique, while finding its own place within that conversation.

Passant El-Ghannam, CMO Middle East & Africa at Kraft Heinz, says South Africa’s food culture is distinctive and that the braai sits at the heart of how people come together.

Heinz is bringing more than 150 years of its own heritage to the occasion.

But the brand says becoming part of a culture starts with listening and showing up.

So, this Heritage Day, Heinz is showing up at the fire.

Ketchup or Tomato Sauce?

Then comes the question that could spark its own braai debate.

What do you call it?

Ketchup?

Or tomato sauce?

Heinz says South Africans can call it whatever they like.

The brand is not looking to change the braai. Instead, it wants Mzansi to bring its own traditions to the table while discovering the taste Heinz believes the braai has been missing.

The message is straightforward: whatever name you use, Heinz is inviting South Africans to taste it for themselves.

When the Fires Wind Down, the Music Turns Up

The Heritage Day celebration does not end when the braai does.

From 15:00 to 20:00, Heinz Braai Day transforms into a festival.

The music lineup features DJ Vin D, DJ Chrizz Beatz, DJ Nate and DJ Bazzy, building towards headline act DJ Kent.

Families are also part of the experience.

Heinz Little Squeezers will have a dedicated zone featuring age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children.

So whether you’re coming for the food, the music, the family experience or simply the chance to spend Heritage Day around a fire with your people, the day is designed to keep the celebration going.

Come for the Braai. Stay for the Festival.

The Heinz Braai Experience runs from 12:00 to 15:00 only, so anyone wanting to braai is encouraged to arrive early.

Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.

There will be no tickets available at the gate.

The full Heritage Day experience takes place at The River Cabin, Fourways, from 12:00 to 20:00 on Thursday, 24 September.

For Heinz, the invitation is simple.

Bring your people.

Bring your appetite.

Light the fire, gather around the table and experience Heritage Day with a taste Heinz believes has been missing from the braai.

Come for the braai. Stay for the festival. Taste what your braai’s been missing.