President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the national Reconciliation Day commemoration at Ncome Museum at Blood River on Tuesday,  December 16.

The event takes place at the Ncome Museum with this year’s programme led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations.”

“The theme calls on all South Africans to deepen their commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness and nation-building for a shared future,” said Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President.

The importance of cherishing collective unity

“Hosting the commemoration at the Battle of Blood River heritage site highlights the importance of cherishing collective unity and peace. The battle, fought 187 years ago in 1838 between the Voortrekker invaders and Zulu forces, shaped decades of often divisive commemorative practices.

“Since 1995, the democratic government has redefined  December 16 as National Reconciliation Day, transforming it from a symbol of division into a platform for truth, justice, dialogue, healing and shared nationhood.

“By holding the 2025 programme at Ncome, the nation is invited to engage honestly with its complex past while working towards a future rooted in inclusion, understanding and unity,” Magwenya added.

The Blood River commemorations at the site of the battle, marked by the bronze wagon enclosure, started on Sunday and will conclude tomorrow with a church service, horse parade and wreath laying.

Magwenya did not indicate whether President Ramaphosa will also attend that commemoration.

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