After demonstrators in South Africa rose triumphant in their demand to put a complete end to the institutionalized discriminatory system of apartheid, the dream for citizens to live in a society as equals was marked by the introduction of the Day of Reconciliation in 1995.

Observed on Dec. 16 each year, the day is more than just a public holiday in South Africa — it is an emblem of racial harmony that stokes the memories of a rich past and recognizes the sacrifices of the veterans in favor of respectful co-existence of varied ethnic groups.

Dec. 16 was chosen as the Day of Reconciliation since it holds significance for two of South Africa's dominant racial groups, the Afrikaner and the Black African communities. To the former, it is the day their forefathers secured a historic win over the Zulus in the Battle of Blood River in 1838, and to the latter, the day marks the formation of the Umkhonto we Sizwe ("the Spear of the Nation"), a paramilitary wing of the African National Congress which launched an armed battle against the apartheid.

Known as one of the important events in South African history, the Day of Reconciliation is commemorated with events of national importance, as well as cultural programs, to send out the message of racial unity.

In honor of the day, here are a few quotes that make a difference in one's perception toward race: (Courtesy: AZ Quotes)

  • "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." - Nelson Mandela
  • "You don't fight racism with racism, the best way to fight racism is with solidarity." - Bobby Seale
  • "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong." - Muhammad Ali
  • "I realize that I'm black, but I like to be viewed as a person, and this is everybody's wish." - Michael Jordan
  • "Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason." - Abraham Joshua Heschel
Day of Reconciliation is South African holiday
Day of Reconciliation is South African holiday Pixabay
South Africa