Ramaphosa to deliver National Day of Reconciliation keynote address in Vredendal

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be addressing the theme of healing historical wounds and forging new futures on the National Day of Reconciliation event in Vredendal.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be addressing the theme of healing historical wounds and forging new futures on the National Day of Reconciliation event in Vredendal.

Published 7h ago

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To commemorate the National Day of Reconciliation, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be delivering a keynote address at the Vredendal North Sports Ground, Matzikama Local Municipality in Vredendal. 

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

The keynote address is expected to start at 11am. 

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 the country that is held annually on December 16. The public holiday came into effect in 1995 following the end of apartheid in 1994.

The intention of the National Day of Reconciliation is to foster reconciliation as well as national unity for the country, according to the statement.

The Presidency said that in recognising the need for racial harmony, the government chose this date for its significance to both the Afrikaner as well as the indigenous cultures of South Africa.

"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," the Presidency said.

"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." 

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