A South-African Braai at Temper

Last week we celebrated South African Heritage Day with a delicious Braai. The event was organised by our South-African colleagues Natasha and Emma. Time to ask them what this Heritage day is all about.

Emma and Natasha, who are you, and what are you doing at Temper?

Emma: “I’m working at Temper for nearly a year now as People & Culture Specialist. I’m originally from South Africa and I’m in the Netherlands for 2.5 years now.”

Natasha: “I moved from South Africa to the Netherlands 3 years ago for a job opportunity for my husband. Almost 2 years ago I applied for the Financial Controller position at Temper. I love what Temper stands for, and that we practice what we preach. And that is why each day at Temper provides new challenges and why each day is filled with the things that I like in life: people.”

Could you tell us a bit more about South African Heritage Day?

Natasha: “South Africa is known as the rainbow country because we have so many different cultures. I mean, we have 11 official languages. And this is what Heritage Day is for me: it’s a day once a year, where every culture and human being in South Africa can celebrate their roots and what they believe in. Heritage Day also means that we have a Braai (or in Dutch: barbecue). We celebrate this day with our friends and families, we wear our Springbok rugby jerseys with pride and do what we do best: we eat all our lovely foods.”

Why did you organise the Braai?

Emma: “I organised this Braai on Heritage Day along with Natasha because I wanted to share a little bit of our culture with the rest of our colleagues. A braai is a South African bbq and it’s a very social event which I thought was a perfect way for everyone at Temper to get together.”

Natasha: “I love that we celebrate it and that we embrace and encourage different cultures. We have so many international people working for Temper and we all come from different backgrounds. I think it’s important to remember where you come from and celebrate the things that are important for you.”

What is important in the Temper culture?

Emma: “I think as we grow, it is important to recognise and celebrate all the different nationalities and cultures that we have at Temper. By doing this we promote inclusivity and belonging.”