Day of Reconciliation in South Africa
South Africa observes the Day of Reconciliation on 16 December. It is a public holiday with a distinct purpose: to recognise the date’s conflicting histories and promote reconciliation and national unity.[1][2]
A public holiday under South African law
The Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994 provides for South Africa’s public holiday calendar and paid public holidays. The South African Government lists 16 December as the Day of Reconciliation.[1][3]
The Act also provides that when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday. Separately, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act says an employer may require an employee to work on a public holiday only by agreement; it also sets out pay rules for employees who work that day.[1][4]
A date with more than one history
Before democracy, 16 December was known as the Day of the Vow. The date referred to the vow associated with the Voortrekkers before the 1838 Battle of Blood River. Another event tied to the date came in 1961, when Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, was formed.[2]
After apartheid, the democratic government retained the date as a public holiday and renamed it the Day of Reconciliation. The holiday was observed under that name for the first time on 16 December 1995. Its purpose is to acknowledge the date’s significance in both Afrikaner and liberation struggle histories while promoting reconciliation and national unity.[2]
Commemorations and practical plans
Official commemorations have included interfaith prayer, cultural programmes, political messages and a presidential address. Government has also described provincial commemorations in different provinces.[5]
For workers, the public holiday’s practical effect depends in part on whether they work that day and on the applicable employment agreement. The employment law sets conditions for working and pay. If you need a particular service, check its holiday hours directly.[4]
Day of Reconciliation: frequently asked questions
When is the Day of Reconciliation?
Is it a public holiday and a day off work?
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of Reconciliation in South Africa:
- Public holidays in South Africa- South African Government
- Day of Reconciliation- South African Government
- Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994- South African Government
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act- Department of Employment and Labour
- Day of Reconciliation- South African Government