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The braaivleis or braai (pronounced "bry" and rhymes with "cry" is Afrikaans for "roasted meat") is a social custom in South Africa. It originated with the Afrikaner people, but since has been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds
The word has been adopted by English-speaking South Africans and can be regarded as another word for barbecue, in that it serves as a verb when describing how food is cooked and a noun when describing the cooking equipment, such as a grill.
A braai is a social occasion and often there are specific social norms. Women rarely braai meat. This is normally the preserve of men and they gather round the braai, or braaistand (the fire or grill) and cook the food while women prepare the salads, desserts, and vegetables for the meal.
While wood formerly was the most widely-used braai fuel, the use of charcoal has increased. There has been a renewed interest in the use of wood after the South African government started with its invasive plant species removal program.
"Braai, the beloved country"
In recent years the humorous term Braai, the beloved country has come into use, as a reflection of the central position of the braai in South African culture. This is a pun and refers to the Alan Paton novel (and subsequent films) Cry, the beloved country famous for it's anti-apartheid message, as well as serious (Old Testament) Biblical themes of desperation and suffering (while still maintaining one's faith).
This term is a reflection of new South African humour, that is characterised by bitterness and is self-deprecating and sometimes irreverent (and quite politically incorrect).
See also
Barbecue | South African cuisine
"Braai"