What is celebrated on the 16 December?
Day of Reconciliation
The National flag largely represents peace and unity. The Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday in South Africa held annually on 16 December. The holiday came into effect in 1995 after the end of apartheid, with the intention of fostering reconciliation and national unity for the country.
What happened on December 16th SA?
In apartheid South Africa 16 December was known as Day of the Vow, as the Voortrekkers in preparation for the Battle of Blood River on 16 December 1838 against the Zulus took a Vow before God that they would build a church and that they and their descendants would observe the day as a day of thanksgiving should they be …
What holiday is December 16th Afrikaans?
The Day of Reconciliation (Afrikaans: Versoeningsdag) is a public holiday in South Africa held annually on 16 December. The date was chosen because it was significant to both Afrikaner and African cultures.
Is Monday a public holiday in South Africa?
The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following is also deemed a public holiday….South Africa to get an ‘extra’ public holiday in 2022.
| Date | Day | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 18 April | Monday | Family Day |
| 27 April | Wednesday | Freedom Day |
| 1 May | Sunday | Workers’ Day |
| 2 May | Monday | Public holiday Workers’ Day observed |
Why do we celebrate the Day of Reconciliation?
The Day of Reconciliation has been created to mark the end of apartheid. The day, therefore, has been in existence since 1995. The purpose of this day was to foster unity and reconciliation across the country. It is a day whereby we remember the past history of the country.
What is Boxing Day South Africa?
The Day of Goodwill is a South African holiday that allows many people to give back to society after the Christmas holiday. Prior to 1994, this holiday was known as Boxing Day. The Day of Goodwill is celebrated on December 26.
Why do we celebrate Christmas day?
Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas. Christmas is now celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not.
Why do we celebrate Day of Goodwill?
The Day of Goodwill is a South African holiday that allows many people to give back to society after the Christmas holiday. It is the third public holiday that is celebrated in the month of December. Unlike many of South Africa’s other holidays, the Day of Goodwill is a simple holiday for compassion and relaxation.
What does reconciliation day mean in South Africa?
Day of Reconciliation, also called Day of the Vow, Day of the Covenant, or Dingane’s Day, public holiday observed in South Africa on December 16. Before the battle, the Voortrekkers had taken a vow that, if they succeeded in defeating the Zulus, they would build a church and observe the day as a religious holiday.
Why is December 16 called Dingane?
Before the battle, the Voortrekkers had taken a vow that, if they succeeded in defeating the Zulus, they would build a church and observe the day as a religious holiday. The observance became known as Dingane’s Day (after the Zulu king Dingane), and in 1910 the day was established as a public holiday.
What is Shaka day?
History. In KwaZulu-Natal, 24 September was known as Shaka Day for most people, in commemoration of Shaka, the Zulu king of southern Africa, on the presumed date of his death on this date 1828. Shaka played an important role in uniting the disparate Zulu clans into a cohesive nations.
Why is 16 December a public holiday in South Africa?
With the advent of democracy in South Africa 16 December retained its status as a public holiday, however, this time with the purpose of fostering reconciliation and national unity. During the earlier part of the 19th century, many Afrikaner farmers left the eastern cape and moved inland.
Is 16 December a public holiday in 2018?
In 2018, 16 December falls on a Sunday, which means that the following Monday 17 December is a public holiday. Long weekend anyone? Discover exciting and interesting things to do over the Day of Reconciliation weekend. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF 16 DECEMBER.
Is the day of reconciliation a public holiday in South Africa?
And on 16 December 1995, the first-ever Day of Reconciliation was celebrated as a public holiday in South Africa – as it has been ever since. Explore things to do this Day of Reconciliation in Cape Town and new events every weekend.
Why is 1616 December important in South Africa?
16 December is a day of great significance in South Africa due to two historical events that took place. The first of these was in 1838, when the Battle of Blood River took place between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus.