16 December
The Reconciliation Day which is commemorated annually on 16 December, South Africans across the country are encouraged to unite as a nation.
South Africans commemorate 2016 Reconciliation Month under the theme “Bridging The Divide Towards A Non-Racist Society”. The theme reminds us that we should strengthen relations with fellow South Africans and those who reside in the country and build a future where all live together in harmony.
Furthermore, to embrace the common ties that binds us rather than focus on that which divides us as a nation.
This years’ Reconciliation Day Commemoration will take place on Friday, 16 December 2016 at Gopane Black Aces Ground, Zeerust in North West Province.
On this day, South Africans across the country are encouraged to reach out to each other, to unite as a nation, strengthen relations with fellow South Africans and those who reside in the country. This day also speaks to human rights and equality together with redress and transformation.
The origins and significance of this day can partly be traced back to the Battle of “Blood River” in 1838, which saw the Voortrekker army led by Andries Pretorius defeating the Zulu army in the Ncome Stream.
During the days of apartheid, 16 December was commemorated as the Day of the Covenant; the Day of the Vow or Dingane’s Day, which was created to commemorate a vow taken by the Voortrekkers (a group of Afrikaners who had moved inland to escape the clutches of British colonialism and imperialism) in preparation for a battle with the Zulu people, under King Dingane kaSenzangakhona, with whom they had a serious land dispute.
Follow the conversation on social media: #ReconciliationDay or #ReconciliationMonth
Speeches, statements and advisories:
