🇿🇦 South Africa
Day of Reconciliation
Next observed on Wednesday, 16 December 2026.
When is Day of Reconciliation in 2026?
Wednesday, 16 December 2026
Counting down to Day of Reconciliation
What Day of Reconciliation marks
The 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, with the intention of fostering reconciliation and national unity for the country. This day was first celebrated as Dingane's Day before being subsequently replaced with the Day of Reconciliation. Recognizing the need for racial harmony, the government chose the date for its significance to both Afrikaner and indigenous South African cultures. The celebration of the Day of Reconciliation can take the form of remembering past history, recognizing veterans' contributions, marching, and other festivities.
Background summarised from Wikipedia — Public holiday in South Africa on 16 December, available under CC BY-SA.
Day of Reconciliation dates: 2026–2031
| Year | Date | Day | Full calendar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday | South Africa 2026 | |
| 2027 | Thursday | South Africa 2027 | |
| 2028 | Saturday | South Africa 2028 | |
| 2029 | Sunday | South Africa 2029 | |
| 2030 | Monday | South Africa 2030 | |
| 2031 | Tuesday | South Africa 2031 |
Frequently asked
When is Day of Reconciliation in 2026?
Day of Reconciliation falls on Wednesday, 16 December 2026 in South Africa.
What day of the week is Day of Reconciliation 2026?
Day of Reconciliation 2026 falls on a Wednesday, 16 December 2026.
When is Day of Reconciliation in 2027?
Day of Reconciliation falls on Thursday, 16 December 2027.
Where is Day of Reconciliation observed?
Observed nationally in South Africa.
What does Day of Reconciliation celebrate?
Public holiday in South Africa on 16 December. The 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, with the intention of fostering reconciliation and national unity for the country. This day was first celebrated as Dingane's Day before being subsequently replaced with the Day of Reconciliation. Recognizing the need for racial harmony, the government chose the date for its significance to both Afrikaner and indigenous South African cultures. The celebration of the Day of Reconciliation can t