December 16 is popularly called the Day of Reconciliation, and hailed as one of the most important days in South African history
December 16 is popularly called the Day of Reconciliation, and hailed as one of the most important days in South African history. Traditional Afrikaners celebrate it as the Day of the Vow, remembering the day in 1838 when a group of Voortrekkers defeated a Zulu army at the Battle of Blood River. African National Congress activists commemorate it as the day in 1961 when the ANC armed its soldiers to overthrow Apartheid.
In the new South Africa, it's regarded as the day when the Republic of South Africa was born. However, the locals here are clueless about the significance. This correspondent caught up with a couple of middle-aged men sipping beer. "I have no idea why it's a holiday, mate. All I know is it's a national holiday and I can have some beers and not go to work," one of them said. "I think it's the day democracy ended," said another spectator.
Former SA pace ace Fanie de Villiers explained the significance of the day: "In our times, we used to celebrate this day a lot. We would get together and attend carnivals to celebrate. However, the younger generation is not aware of its importance," said de Villiers.
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