Reconciliation, Day of

December 16

The South African legal holiday known as the Day of Reconciliation was established on December 16, 1838, in commemoration of the victory of the Voortrekkers over Dingane (also spelled Dingaan) and the Zulus. It was formerly called Day of the Covenant. The "covenant" it refers to is the vow that Andries Pretorius (1798-1853) and the Voortrekkers made with God as they prepared for the Battle of Blood River: that if they were victorious, the day would be observed as a Sabbath and a church would be built in gratitude.
The original name for this holiday was Dingaan's Day . Then it was called Day of the Vow during apartheid. After South Africa renounced apartheid and held its first democratic election in 1994, the day remained a legal holiday but acquired a new name to reflect its new focus—promoting national unity and healing.

CONTACTS:
South African Government Online
Information Centre
Private Bag X745
Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
www.gov.za
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Old Mutual Bldg., 9th Fl.
106 Adderley St.
Cape Town, 8001 South Africa
27-21-424-5161; fax: 27-21-424-5225
www.truth.org.za

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 209
DictDays-1988, p. 28
(c)

Mentioned in

References in classic literature

Moreover, feast-time was the day of reconciliation for the parish.

View in context

Don't Cry Africa, Nomina's second single was released on December 16, 2016 to coincide with the day of reconciliation in South Africa and she said the song advocated for unity amongst African nations.

Nomina makes strides in Germany

He points to the creation of a National Day of Reconciliation.

TRC calls to action update alter 500-plus days since Trudeau's promise

A Day of Reconciliation (or something similar) should be established, so that we can all honour the memory of our innocent compatriots who were murdered and demand the punishment of the guilty without exception.

Silence greeted radio murder confession

On this day of reconciliation, two constructs were dashed.

At last an understanding: a morning of primal fears and thrills

A national day of reconciliation will take place on 16 December when a statue of Mr Mandela will be unveiled at the Union Buildings in Pretoria Some 90 screens will be set up across the country to show all planned national events Flags at all official buildings are to remain at half mast throughout the period and books of condolence are being circulated across the country and online for people to post tributes, record memories and express their emotions.

Mandela death: South Africa parliament to pay tribute

Officially known since 1994 as the Day of Reconciliation, it also marks the founding in 1961 of the Umkhonto we Sizwe, or Spear of the Nation, guerrilla army that opposed white rule, and a much earlier victory by Afrikaner forces over a Zulu army in 1838 known as the Battle of Blood River.

Death of Mandela stirs sense of mourning around the world

On Sunday, Mohamed El-Beltagy, a FJP leader, called for a national day of reconciliation next Friday, urging Egyptians to take to the streets with flowers in a show of national unity.

Freedom and Justice: On dialogue