President Ramaphosa to deliver National Day of Reconciliation address

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 16 December 2024, deliver the keynote address marking the National Day of Reconciliation to be held at Vredendal, Matzikama Local Municipality in Western Cape Province. 

The theme for the 2024 National Day of Reconciliation is Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures. 

The National Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday in South Africa held annually on 16 December. The holiday came into effect in 1995 after the end of apartheid, intending to foster reconciliation and national unity for the country. 

Recognising the need for racial harmony, the government chose the date for its significance to both Afrikaner and indigenous South African cultures. 

The commemoration of the National Day of Reconciliation takes the form of remembering history, recognising veterans' contributions, marching, healing wounds of past injustices, and other festivities. 

It will focus on the South African government and its people in advancing reconciliation, nation-building, social cohesion, healing, and forgiveness since the dawn of democracy and the nation’s quest to forge a new path for South Africa. 

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Monday,16 December 2024
Time: 11h00am
Venue: Vredendal North Sports Ground,Matzikama Local Municipality, Vredendal

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria