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Apartheid was being transformed into a Democratic Government, and the new name was a reflection of the new atmosphere that was ushered into the country. An atmosphere of peace and reconciliation towards a better and harmonic South Africa. The changing of the holiday’s name was significant and brought  hope that the government was no longer a colonial regime. In some way or form, the previous names of the 16th of December were a celebration of successful colonisation. A reminder of Native Defeat.

Are you wondering what the Day of Reconciliation was before? Well it was first called Dingaansdag or Dingane’s Day and declared a national holiday in the year 1910. This is because it was the day that the Afrikaner leader, Andries Pretorious led a Voortrekker army to defeat King Dingane’s sovereign Nation of AmaZulu. The day almost marked the end of AmaZulu’s state. Following the defeat of Amabutho, the Boers built their own republic in Natal called the Republic of Natalia but the British quickly came and annexed it.

In 1982, the 16th of December was renamed the Day of Vow. Why, you ask? As much as the Boers were slave and gun owners, they also considered themselves Holy men. They were Christian’s, for they created a covenant with their God. A deep spiritual dedication. The covenant or vow is still commemorated today. It entailed that the Afrikaners would honour and Thank their God if he helped them vanquish their enemies. Their enemies being AmaZulu. And it was truly so, on the 16th of December 1838, the Afrikaners won the battle against AmaZulu and proceeded to build a Church in honour and gratitude to their God. The church was built in Petermaritzburg and it was called the Church of the Covenant. They believed that their victory was owed to God because of the covenant they made.

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