Press Releases

The 2024 National Day of Reconciliation will take place on 16 December 2024 in Vredendal, Matzikama Local Municipality in the Western Cape. The event serves as a clarion call for all sectors of society to play an active role in promoting healing of the nation and will be convened under the theme: “Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures”.

In keeping with the spirit of the theme, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address on Reconciliation Day followed by a dialogue from widows of our nation’s freedom fighters. Through these discussions, we hope to draw wisdom and courage to move forward in building the country envisaged by our forebearers.

In South Africa, we not only commemorate Reconciliation Day but also dedicate the entire month of December to reconciliation. Throughout the month we will reflect on our history, acknowledge the contribution of our nation’s veterans and work to heal wounds of past injustices.  

This year’s commemoration coincides with our 30 Years of Democracy celebration and we will also reflect on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which helped our country deal with the wounds inflicted by apartheid. The TRC advanced peace, reconciliation, tolerance and social cohesion.

Our Reconciliation Month commemoration takes place three months after we received 35 human remains of South Africans who were buried while in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The next phase of the project will focus on the repatriation of the remains of South Africans buried in Angola

This initiative is crucial for national healing, allowing families to find closure and honour the memory of those who fought for freedom and justice. Moreover, this project is part of our commitment to honour and restore the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom.