The Day of Reconciliation (Public Holiday)

Different racial groups stand together for the sake of the future of South Africa


The Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday with the intention to foster reconciliation between different racial groups. The holiday came into effect in 1994 after the end of Apartheid.

On 16 December 1838, about 10 00 Zulu troops under the command of Dambuza (Nzobo) and Nhlela attacked the Voortrekkers, but the 470 Voortrekkers, with the advantage of gun powder, warded them off. Only three Voortrekkers were wounded, but more than 3 000 Zulus were killed during the battle.

During Apartheid, 16 December was known as Day of the Vow. The Voortrekkers, in preparation for the battle, 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 granted victory.

With the advent of democracy and a heroic gesture by the new government in South Africa, 16 December retained its status as a public holiday, however, this time with the purpose of fostering reconciliation and national unity.

January
1 January - New Year's Day

March
21 March - Human Rights Day

April
2 April - Good Friday
5 April - Family Day
27 April - Freedom Day

May
1 May - Workers Day

June
16 June - Youth Day

August
9 August - National Women's Day

September
24 September - Heritage Day

December
16 December - Day of Reconciliation
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Day of Goodwill


Cape Town and South Africa always have great events, festivals and rallies on all public holidays. Discover things to do, both outdoors and inside on public holidays and read about some all year round events at CapeTownMagazine.com

For updates on happenings in and around Cape Town for kids, for you or for the whole family, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor's Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.

 

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Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2010
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Tom8Happy Hour at Tommy’s Sports Bar

One hour a day for a week … sound good?

societi imageA Tour of France with Societi Bistro

A festival of Menus inspired by regions of France

quay fourSnoek Special and Table Taps at Quay ...

Fish and Beer … need we say more?

Neighbours by Michael TaylorMichael Taylor at Worldart

A star is born …

kink - new logo1Thursday Nights at The House of KINK

La Fiesta at The House of Kink

kink - foodDelectable Winter Special Menu at The ...

Kink's Winter Specials just get better and better!

Rafikis outside Tantalising Thursday Cocktail Specials ...

It’s summer and ‘tis the summer for cocktails

kurt schoonraadJou Ma Se Comedy Club at The River Club

Kurt Schoonraad’s ‘Jou Ma Se’ Comedy Club has a new home!

Bertha outsideBertha's Restaurant Scrumptious Set ...

Don't you just love winter with its warm wintry food specials?

Black Marlin foodWinter Evening Set Menu at Black Marlin ...

It’s time to cosy up to the Black Marlin

outside restaurant forkLunch Special with a Tapas Twist at Fork

Expect a fusion of contemporary European cuisine with a unique South African ...

Homemakers expo 2Cape Homemakers Expo 2010

Offering you and your home the latest in lifestyle trends

Microphone on stageDarling Voorkamerfest 2010

Widely regarded as one of the most unique arts festivals in the world

Marlise Keith Marlise Keith at iArt Gallery

The Gluttony of Eve: Inside every piggy there is a Twiggy

Paarl in AutumnThe Hout Street Gallery Winter Gala

Enjoy a visit to the Gallery with its relaxed atmosphere and personal service

Don PackettCelebs Stand Up for Charity

Laugh for a good cause…

Nandos Comedy FestivalNando's Cape Town Comedy Festival

Bringing the world’s hottest comedy acts to the Mother City

Kids fun Winter Holiday Fun on Table Mountain

Magic shows, prizes and much more in Winter Wonderland

NoreturnNoreturn

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster's film as ...

mamma miaMamma Mia in Cape Town

Boasting a cast featuring South Africa's finest stars, Mamma Mia! is 2010's ...

Wheel of ExcellenceThe Wheel of Excellence at the V&A ...

South Africa’s first observation wheel right in the Mother City

Beezy Bailey 2Beezy Bailey: Works on Paper

João Ferreira Gallery is pleased to re-open "Works on Paper" by Beezy Bailey

Beyond Boundaries Barnard Gallery Beyond Boundaries

Christiaan Barnard presents Rachelle Bomberg and 13 of her most important works ...

Michael Stevenson GalleryThe eclipse will not be visible to the ...

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of video, ...

Pieter HugoPermanent Error Exhibition

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new work by Pieter ...

Knife Fork Jonkershuis Winter Menus

Societi Bistro’s sister restaurant will keep you warm this winter…

Discoball 1970’s Musical Tribute Show

From Elton John to Tina Turner – we are going back to the 70’s baby...

minstrel carnival cape townGhoema and Glitter: New Year Carnival

Iziko Social History Collections department presents a peek into Cape Malay ...

edge glass 2The EDGE Glass Gallery Presents ...

The EDGE Glass Gallery presents 'African Light' - an exhibition of local and ...

Tom8Happy Hour at Tommy’s Sports Bar

One hour a day for a week … sound good?

societi imageA Tour of France with Societi Bistro

A festival of Menus inspired by regions of France

quay fourSnoek Special and Table Taps at Quay ...

Fish and Beer … need we say more?

Neighbours by Michael TaylorMichael Taylor at Worldart

A star is born …

Kink - djFriday Nights at The House of KINK

Be Flirty on Friday nights at Cape Town’s sexiest place

Bertha outsideFriday Nights at Bertha’s Restaurant

Round off your dinner with the live sounds of Dave Ornellas

kink - foodDelectable Winter Special Menu at The ...

Kink's Winter Specials just get better and better!

Black Marlin foodWinter Evening Set Menu at Black Marlin ...

It’s time to cosy up to the Black Marlin

Bertha outsideBertha's Restaurant Scrumptious Set ...

Don't you just love winter with its warm wintry food specials?

Mavericks Fridays at Mavericks Strip Club in Cape ...

Distinguished experiences don't come much better than on Fridays at Mavericks ...

outside restaurant forkLunch Special with a Tapas Twist at Fork

Expect a fusion of contemporary European cuisine with a unique South African ...

Homemakers expo 2Cape Homemakers Expo 2010

Offering you and your home the latest in lifestyle trends

Microphone on stageDarling Voorkamerfest 2010

Widely regarded as one of the most unique arts festivals in the world

Marlise Keith Marlise Keith at iArt Gallery

The Gluttony of Eve: Inside every piggy there is a Twiggy

Paarl in AutumnThe Hout Street Gallery Winter Gala

Enjoy a visit to the Gallery with its relaxed atmosphere and personal service

 Touch of Madness Moulin Rouge EventQuest to Save the Moulin Rouge

A Mystery Murder Dinner to remember…

Basement Jaxx 2Basement Jaxx live in Cape Town

Set your body Free with the ultimate duo, Basement Jaxx

Nandos Comedy FestivalNando's Cape Town Comedy Festival

Bringing the world’s hottest comedy acts to the Mother City

Kids fun Winter Holiday Fun on Table Mountain

Magic shows, prizes and much more in Winter Wonderland

NoreturnNoreturn

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster's film as ...

mamma miaMamma Mia in Cape Town

Boasting a cast featuring South Africa's finest stars, Mamma Mia! is 2010's ...

Wheel of ExcellenceThe Wheel of Excellence at the V&A ...

South Africa’s first observation wheel right in the Mother City

Beezy Bailey 2Beezy Bailey: Works on Paper

João Ferreira Gallery is pleased to re-open "Works on Paper" by Beezy Bailey

Beyond Boundaries Barnard Gallery Beyond Boundaries

Christiaan Barnard presents Rachelle Bomberg and 13 of her most important works ...

Michael Stevenson GalleryThe eclipse will not be visible to the ...

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of video, ...

Pieter HugoPermanent Error Exhibition

Michael Stevenson is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new work by Pieter ...

Knife Fork Jonkershuis Winter Menus

Societi Bistro’s sister restaurant will keep you warm this winter…

Discoball 1970’s Musical Tribute Show

From Elton John to Tina Turner – we are going back to the 70’s baby...

minstrel carnival cape townGhoema and Glitter: New Year Carnival

Iziko Social History Collections department presents a peek into Cape Malay ...

edge glass 2The EDGE Glass Gallery Presents ...

The EDGE Glass Gallery presents 'African Light' - an exhibition of local and ...

coffeebeans3-JazzCape Town’s Top Ten Day Tours

A selection of the best day tours in Cape Town and Surrounds

Pieter-Dirk Uys as Bambi KellermannPieter-Dirk Uys as Bambi Kellermann

F.A.K Songs and other struggle anthems at the Fugard Theatre

Capetown MagazineValentines Day Sunset Hike

Bring that some one special for a sunset to remember

kink - new logo1Thursday Nights at The House of KINK

La Fiesta at The House of Kink

playing in snowSnow at Noordhoek Farm Village

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

aquilaAquila Quad Biking Safari Adventure

Experience the thrill of being a bit wild in the wild Western Cape at a private ...

Capetown MagazineOppieberg Valentine's Concert

Come enjoy a unforgettable Valentine's day under the stars with Theuns Jordaan, ...

Capetown MagazineClub Newlands Sleepover

Experience the stadium like never before...

WeatherGiveawaysTravel Tips2010 World Cup