30/09/2026
To celebrate Heritage Month in September, we asked members of the Elite team to share what heritage means to them. Scroll down to read the stories of Basetsana, Ragiem, and Mishqah.
✨ Basetsana Nkoane, Quality Assurance Specialist ✨
Heritage, to me, is about people. As a proud descendant of Venda, Pedi, and Ndebele roots, my story is shaped not only by where I come from, but also by the many people who have influenced my journey. From family, friends, mentors, neighbours, and communities across South Africa and beyond, each has shared lessons in pride, resilience, kindness, faith, and belonging. Growing up in diverse environments exposed me to different cultures, languages, and traditions, teaching me that some of life's greatest lessons come from people rather than textbooks. Along the way, I gained family from cultures different from my own. Heritage lives in our stories, values, traditions, and shared experiences. It reminds us where we come from, but also celebrates the people who help shape who we become.
✨ Ragiem Meyer, Team Leader: Valuations ✨
Growing up in a Muslim household, heritage was woven into my family traditions, community, and celebration. Eid remains one of my fondest memories, from helping prepare homemade treats and visiting family, friends, and neighbours, to sharing meals and creating lasting memories together. At the same time, having Christian family members meant I was also fortunate enough to experience Christmas traditions, where simple acts of inclusion, like receiving Christmas stockings alongside my cousins, taught me the value of belonging and shared celebration. Looking back, these experiences gave me a deep appreciation for diversity and showed me that heritage is about far more than culture or religion alone. It is about family, community, shared experiences, and the values we learn from one another that shape who we become.
✨ Mishqah Benjamin, Specialist Underwriter ✨
Heritage is deeply rooted in faith, family, and the values that shape my daily life. As a Muslim woman, wife, mother, and soon-to-be mother of two daughters, I see heritage as more than traditions passed down through generations. I inherited a sense of belonging from my parents and now hope to pass on to her children. My faith guides how I approach everyday life, while motherhood has strengthened my commitment to creating a legacy of strong values and meaningful connections. Heritage is about honouring where I come from, appreciating those who paved the way, and ensuring that my family's story, values, and sense of belonging continue for generations to come.
