Day of Reconciliation South Africa 2025

Day of Reconciliation South Africa 2025 will fall on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 in South Africa — a standout public holiday bringing people together.

The Day of Reconciliation is on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, is a public holiday in South Africa with a dual historical significance that has been transformed into a day promoting national unity and healing. Prior to 1994, this date was celebrated by Afrikaners as 'Geloftedag' (Day of the Vow), commemorating the Battle of Blood River. For many Black South Africans, it marked the 1961 formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the ANC. After the end of apartheid, the democratic government shrewdly repurposed the day, rebranding it as the Day of Reconciliation to bridge historical divisions and foster national unity. It is now a day for all South Africans to reflect on the country's tumultuous past, acknowledge past injustices, and commit to working towards a more inclusive and reconciled future. Events include interfaith services, cultural exchanges, and dialogues aimed at promoting understanding and peace among different communities, emphasizing the ongoing journey towards a united nation.