While this is a given for young and old alike, it’s seldom that the history of how this favourite pastime became so popular.

Read on to learn the history of the braai and how it became a symbol of South African culture.

While some may think that the braai is a relatively new activity in human history, the truth is that this method of cooking is possibly the earliest and dates back to over a million years ago.

Cooking with controlled fire was a major turning point in human evolution and history and the skill travelled with early nomads around the world.

Legend has it that the first braais were created by accident (and probably in South Africa LOL).

Life changed dramatically when early man could make his own fire. Along with warmth and safety, a fire also offered the ability to prepare food differently.

Until then primitive people had eaten the food they found or the meat they captured, raw.

Then came the moment that someone dropped a piece of meat in the fire and discovered that this roasted meat was far tastier. It was also far easier to chew and digest.

And thus was born the principle of the braai.

It is no coincidence that the first traces of primitive man and fire were discovered in South Africa.

In the dark caves near Sterkfontein, scientists found traces showing that the first humans lived there more than a million years ago, and that they already used a primitive form of braai.

Among other things, this was apparent from the remains of antelope bones that had clearly been in the fire.

After this first primitive start, the braai grew to become a national tradition in South Africa.

Both the country’s original inhabitants and the farmers who arrived contributed to the phenomenon that is today’s braai.

Regardless of background, people gathered around the braai to meet and eat. People shared the latest news and told their stories around the fire.

In fact, the "braai" is a unifying factor in a country with such a diverse population.

Everyone puts their own spin on the braai, and everyone has their own way of creating a fantastic fire-based meal. Anything is fine as long as everyone has a good time and eats well.

The fact that South Africa is the only country in the world to hold a National Braai Day underlines the importance of this cultural and social heritage.

The braai is so much more than a method of cooking; it is part of the national identity. It has been for years, and always will be.

The word ‘braai’ is a South African favourite term for our beloved tradition of cooking meat over an open flame, and while there is no argument as to where the word came from, the when is another matter.

The word ‘braai’ originated from the Dutch word ‘braden’ meaning ‘roast’ and has since become the word for the social gathering, the grill, and the action of cooking the meat.

It is a word which brings South Africans together across all languages and inspires pride as we gather.

The public holiday, Braai Day (Heritage Day), is celebrated by South Africans on the 24th of September every year.

The first Braai Day was celebrated in 1995 when it was decided that the day should be set aside for all South Africans to celebrate their culture and diversity, a day to build up and unify the country as a whole.

countries in the world, with 11 official languages, it is important for us to reflect on our individual cultural backgrounds as well as our unified, rich South African heritage.