The 16th is a Reconciliation day here in South Africa. Historically Dec 16th was celebrated by the Afrikaners as Dingaan's Day- which commemorated victory of the Afrikaners over the Zulus' in a battle in the 1800s. From 1961 it also marked the day the the ANC formed MK the armed wing. From 1994 the day was kept but the focus changed- it's a good day to focus on reconciliation and on how far we've come just before Christmas. It's also quite a big deal this year as we have made 10 years of democracy and freedom – feels good to be living here- sure it's not perfect but it's good.
Public Holiday
December 16th, 2004 at 06:27 am