The Day of Reconciliation was created in 1994 to promote national unity and reconciliation after apartheid. The date holds historical significance for both Afrikaners (Battle of Blood River, 1838) and the liberation struggle (launch of Umkhonto we Sizwe, 1961).

When is the Day of Reconciliation?

The Day of Reconciliation in South Africa is celebrated every year on December 16.

The following is the list of the Day of Reconciliation from 2020 to 2049.

The History of the Day of Reconciliation?

The choice of December 16 comes from two significant but very different historical events:

The Battle of Blood River (1838): On December 16, 1838, the Voortrekkers (Afrikaner pioneers) fought the Battle of Blood River against the Zulu kingdom. The Voortrekkers, numbering about 470, defeated thousands of Zulu warriors, which they believed was due to a vow they had made to God. This event was commemorated by Afrikaners as the Day of the Vow (later called Dingane's Day) and became an important part of Afrikaner nationalism.

Umkhonto we Sizwe (1961): On December 16, 1961, the African National Congress (ANC) launched its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe ("Spear of the Nation"), to fight apartheid through sabotage and armed resistance. This marked a turning point in the struggle against racial segregation and oppression in South Africa.

After the end of apartheid in 1994, the new democratic government sought to unify the country. December 16 was chosen as the Day of Reconciliation to recognize its significance to both Afrikaner and liberation struggle histories.

The holiday officially came into effect in 1995 and was intended to heal divisions and promote national unity among South Africa's diverse communities.