The Day of Reconciliation is an annual public holiday in South Africa celebrated on 16 December.
This article explains more about the Day of Reconciliation and how it came about.
It marked the end of apartheid, encouraging peace and unity among people of different races in South Africa.
The Day of Reconciliation is a form of celebrating the unity South Africa has achieved since independence. Photo: @Alena Darmel, @RichmondMeatsDeli (modified by author)Source: UGC
Second, it marks 16 December 1961, when the ANC established itsmilitarywingUmkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
In fact, for a long time, it was called the Day of Vow or Dinganes Day.
The winners vowed to build a church and observe “Dingane’s Day” as areligious holiday.
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In 1894, Dingane’s Day was declared apublic holiday by theGovernmentof the Orange Free State.
In the years that followed, that day’s original intention disappeared.
Dingane’s Day remained intact until 1952 when the National Party renamed it the Day of the Covenant.
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In 1980, SA’s government adopted a new name, the Day of the Vow.
After 1980, most events became illegal, permitting only religious activities.
The whites, who were in the minority, had inhumanly exercised authority over the blacks.
A few months after Nelson Mandela was elected president, he changed the Day of the Vow to the Day of Reconciliation. Photo: @Designecologist, @Anna-Louise on Getty Images (modified by author)Source: UGC
Racial segregation affected the whole country socially, morally, and politically.
All thefun, celebratory activitiesbanned in 1980 were restored.
Since then, South Africa has celebrated it religiously through cultural parades and festivities.
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The 2024 Reconciliation Month will becommemorated under the theme, Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures.
What happened on the Day of Reconciliation?
Why is Ncome River called Blood River?
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How many died at Blood River?
More than 3,000 Zulu died during the battle, but only a few Voortrekkers were wounded.
How is the Day of Reconciliation celebrated?
South Africans hope to find healing from a dark past through the annual Day of Reconciliation celebrations. Photo: @Wendy Wei, @Rakicevic Nenad on Getty Images (modified by author)Source: UGC
People go to places of worship and participate in numerous religious activities.
Nonetheless, the country’s determination to forge ahead is admirable.
Most South Africans, black and white alike, wish they could exist as members of one nation.
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Briefly.co.za explained how toprepare for Christmasin South Africa, from lunch ideas to decor.
South Africans celebrate Christmas with publicholidayson 25 and 26 December.
They commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December.
The South African government has chosen a different theme for this public holiday each year. Photo: @Expect Best, @Melissa on Getty Images (modified by author)Source: UGC
The next day is known as the Day of Goodwill or Boxing Day.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
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you’re free to email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
People go to places of worship on the Day of Reconciliation and participate in numerous religious activities. Photo: @ Pavel Danilyuk, @cottonbro studio Images (modified by author)Source: UGC
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