Every 16 December, the day of reconciliation is celebrated annually all around South Africa.
As per the former official policies forwarded by the national party in South Africa, the racial segregation system had brought the wave of legal discrimination.
The introduced Apartheid was against the black people among the whites.
This racial, indeed social policy created a bridge between the South African people.
It arouses the need of:
- Bridging the gaps between the two colored people who were unwantedly divided into two groups
- Healing those who were affected by racism and colorism.
On 16 December 1995, the day of reconciliation was marked for the first time to make people get rid of the stigma of racism around the societies. It is the day when first-time people came together in harmony to heal the wounds and the after-effects imposed by the apartheid.
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Date the Day of Reconciliation Observance
16th of December.
History of Day of Reconciliation
It had been a long time when the legal racial segregation system for practiced which resulted in the long-lasting marks of colonialism along with racism. The day of reconciliation brings oxygen and catalyzes the harmonization among the affected humans.
Racialism Introduced
A glimpse of racial exclusion can be seen since the era of the Dutch Empire that existed during 1652 in South Africa.
British Possession in South Africa
This harsh reality continued as it was until 1795 when the British Empire took over the ruling lead in its hands.
On 16 December 1864, the Battle of Blood River resulted in the celebration of Afrikaners after Volrtrekker's victory over the Zulus.
The Birth of Nelson Mandela - A Visionary
On 18 July 1918, Nelson Mandela land on this planet to Mark his presence as one of the greatest global leaders.
In 1950, it was the first time when the nation saw the harshest and unjustifiable side of racism. The black people's political rights were abolished this time.
It was followed by the racial segregation policies and several other worst political and non-political issues.
This formed into a huge black vs white wave that gave air to the rebellions and a series of violent activities. It also results in an embargo, that is, an official order by the government to impose a trade barrier against the country.
In such a scenario, both the environment and humanity demanded the Revival. The day of reconciliation came into the scene as the best possible effort and the need of the hour.
The Day of Reconciliation As a Healer
On 16 December 1995, this drive emerged to heal the wounds that were embarked by the apartheid.
Day of Reconciliation Celebration: How to Celebrate?
Explore the Heritage
Africa is a country that has got a very rich heritage of history and culture. There are countless options to tour such as the Liliesleaf Heritage site of Rivonia. It was the greatest shelter for the leaders who were behind the revolution when the Apartheid was a great challenge to fight against. Its artifacts, exhibitions, and meals are worth witnessing.
Get Entertained
Any entertaining performance or show might not seem to work great virtually but it does actually.
Entertainment is one of the most impactful mediums that do the job miraculously.
Search for an event might not prove to be a game-changer around society but it surely can play a vital role in one's life by changing the perspectives. So take your family or friends to one of the numerous shows impacting around the nation.
Visit the Green Places
Who says white is the only color that signifies peace; the greenery and beauty of nature can also do wonders.
Explore any public garden, park, or other such a green place and enjoy the beautiful flowers. There is no healer better than nature itself and thus it justifiably signifies the day which is known for healing the wounds. You can also enjoy the site of the yellowwood tree and protea, the national flower.
If any of the above ideas doesn't and ties you what about visiting Durban or Johannesburg for marveling those botanical gardens?
Day of Reconciliation Holiday
Public Holiday on the Day of Reconciliation
As this day and the costs associated with it promotes the national Unity and has been a transformer, the day is observed as a public holiday.
Why is Day of Reconciliation Celebrated?
Does the day of reconciliation heal the country? What is the importance of the day of reconciliation in today's era of South Africa?
The above are two questions that are very vital to raise and understand. Let's number the aspects and impacts of the day of reconciliation!
Heals the Long-term Rifts
Yes, ideally the day is celebrated to remove the after-effects of the apartheid. But does it do it successfully? Well, it does to a vital extend.
The end of apartheid is the biggest victory for humanity as it was the worst and crushing. The day of reconciliation has been the Ray of hope for not only South Africa but also to the world. The purpose for which it was originated might have a milestone to cross; however, we have come along pretty far.
After all, it takes time to bridge the divided past that continued for eras.
Even if the differences are still there and are not being removed from the root completely, still the celebration of the day at least indeed reminds us of the song of harmony and humanity.
Significance of Day of Reconciliation
Since 16 December is the day that holds significance for both Afrikaners and African people, it was decided to observe as a day of reconciliation.
In 1910, an important protest to diminish racial discrimination had emerged in Africa which proved to be very important and significant.
The day of Covenant also falls on the same day which is observed as a religious holiday and is very popular among the people of Afrikaners.
This day celebrates the defeat of Zulus and the victory of Voortrekker in the 'Battle of Blood' that took place in 1838.
In 1995, the day of reconciliation came along with the establishment of democracy. The day is celebrated annually with a different theme that proposes ideas around:
- Bridging the gap
- Developing the common South African nationhood
- Establishing a non-racist society
- Promoting harmony around the people living together regardless of their color.
Who Was the Man behind the Day of Reconciliation?
What He Studied?
Nelson Mandela had Pursuit law. His study was the foundation brick of his great journey as he was among those first Black lawyers who took a stand against discrimination in South Africa.
The Imprisoning Phase of Life
In 1962, Nelson Mandela was put behind the bars for a lifetime. He has sentenced this judgment for treason and conspiration against the government. Although he had got released before completion of his duration of imprisonment.
Mandela as an Inspiring Breeze
Although the government had sent Nelson Mandela into jail yet it couldn't contract his thoughts behind jail bars. The future legend emerged as the Ray of hope for all the other prisoners who were oppressed by the system, society, or a group of people just because they had raised their voice for or their rights.
Honored by the Nobel Prize
Leaders are often associated with violence and aggression. Nelson Mandela got a new breed of peace through his contribution. He played a vital role in destroying the regime and got honored by the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
The Revolutionary Visionary
Receiving the Nobel Prize was just a beginning which was followed by a series of awards. The awardee of more than 250 awards, Nelson Mandela established peace and democracy against apartheid.
Why People Follow Day of Reconciliation?
Healing, Hope, and Justice
History proves that the tragic injustice and the most horrible movements of the past can also be defeated by the resilience of our powerful human society and the power of hope. There is no wound that can't be healed and there is no situation that can be said to be hopeless. The day of reconciliation is an example of such a hopeful light for both South Africa and the world. Such a day reminds us that when many join the hands, they form a hard-to-open wrist. It promotes unity, motivates to stand against the wrong, and inspires them to believe in harmony.
Strengthens the History and Future
When people come together beyond the boundaries of color race and borders to fight back the injustice, they lay the foundation of stigma-less history and future. The worldwide countless ethnic groups that are discriminated, don't demand just healing. They look forward to the revolution and indeed complete removal of the inflicted thoughts. After all, it's up to us, who are going to become history in the future, that what we gift to our coming generations.
Our sons and daughters should be talking about development, growth, humanity, and peace instead of racial prejudice, colorism, violence, and baseless discrimination.
The movements such as #ProudtobeBlack and #BlackLivesMatter alarm about the damage that has taken place around human society.
Interesting Facts and Figures about Day of Reconciliation
Does the day of reconciliation heal the country? What is the importance of the day of reconciliation in today's era of South Africa?
The above are two questions that are very vital to raise and understand. Let's number the aspects and impacts of the day of reconciliation!
Heals the Long-term Rifts
Yes, ideally the day is celebrated to remove the after-effects of the apartheid. But does it do it successfully? Well, it does to a vital extend.
The end of apartheid is the biggest victory for humanity as it was the worst and crushing. The day of reconciliation has been the Ray of hope for not only South Africa but also to the world. The purpose for which it was originated might have a milestone to cross; however, we have come along pretty far.
After all, it takes time to bridge the divided past that continued for eras.
Even if the differences are still there and are not being removed from the root completely, still the celebration of the day at least indeed reminds us of the song of harmony and humanity.
Themes
The Day of Reconciliation is observed under a specific theme associated with the subject. Thus, the day highlights the issue related to the cause.
An Appeal
Change demands for:
- Revolutionary vision
- Well-strategic force
- Untiring united efforts
- Positive charge
- Stimulating the humble discussions
- Maintained calm, hope, and peace
- Raised awareness about both rights and duties.
Most importantly, we all need to input our portion of the contribution. So are you ready to take your step? You do not need to necessarily carry those boards, flags, or heavy speeches in your mouth. A cleansed thought backed with your inner goodness is enough. It's Indeed amazing if you can donate your goodness to your surrounding air and make your nearby people think of harmony. If you can impact your society, you are surely one of those great souls who later got entitled as marvelous legends.
