March 21, 2019: Human Rights Day
The Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 led to the eventual celebration of Human Rights Day in South Africa. This holiday is celebrated on March 21 each year, and was first nationally recognized after the democratic election of Nelson Mandela as the country’s leader. On this day, the Parliament seeks to properly inform the South African population about what their rights as humans are, to fuel the continuance of democracy in the country.
April 27, 2019: Freedom Day
This publicly celebrated South African holiday takes place on April 27 each year. Essentially, this holiday fosters the celebration of equal voting rights throughout South Africa, where at one time anyone of color had limited voting rights until 1994.
May 1, 2019: May Day
As in other countries, May 1 marks the celebration of May Day in South Africa. For this country, the holiday celebrates the better working conditions that South Africans now have after a long and hard battle of resistance and insistence around the time of World War I.
June 16, 2019: Youth Day
On June 16 each year, South Africans take the day off work and school to remember and mourn the Soweto Uprising that took place on June 16, 1976. This Uprising consisted of students from Gauteng—who, among many other black students—received subpar education, started a marching protest; many were shot and killed before they made it very far on their journey. South Africans, while still mournful, choose to also acknowledge the hope that younger generations can fulfill for the future of the country.
June 21, 2019: June Solstice
On the twenty-first of June, South Africa experiences its June Solstice (or midwinter). Because South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, this solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
July 18, 2019: Nelson Mandela Day
South Africa’s late leader Nelson Mandela is perhaps the most important figure in the country’s recent history. This holiday, though not considered a public holiday, is celebrated by individuals on July 18 each year. In order to honor everything that Mandela gave to the country, and to the world, people are encouraged to take part in making the world a better place through such things as volunteering and helping those in need.
August 9, 2019: National Women’s Day
August 9 marks National Women’s Day for South Africans. This holiday is to remember the sacrifices made my about 20,000 women in 1956 who fought against highly discriminatory “pass laws” that were in the country at the time, which black women had to carry with them. Much marching and rallying led to the deaths of several of these women, and South Africa seeks to remember their efforts and the power of women in general. To this day, South African women are still gaining more rights and higher status.
September 23, 2019: September equinox
The September Equinox is the beginning of spring for South Africa, and takes place on September 23.
September 24, 2019: Heritage Day
On September 24, South Africans celebrate Heritage Day. This holiday was created as a way for South Africans to celebrate both the diversity of the people in the country, and their ultimate unity. Perhaps the most common way for South Africans to celebrate this day is to host barbecues (called braais) for their families, though celebrations are certainly not limited to this.
December 16, 2019: Day of Reconciliation
December 16 is the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa. At its core, this holiday—first started in 1994—is a day of remembrance and appreciation for the healing and unification of the parts of South Africa torn apart by the apartheid. One fascinating aspect of this holiday is that each year takes on a different theme than the last, and parades are a popular way of celebrating this holiday.
December 26, 2019: Day of Goodwill
Previously called Boxing Day, the Day of Goodwill is celebrated as an extension of Christmas on December 26. On this day, people are encouraged to do good for others and many choose to spend this time with their family or close friends.
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