VREDENDAL, Dec. 16 – President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africans to confront historical injustices and build a unified future during the National Day of Reconciliation commemoration on Saturday.
Addressing crowds at the Vredendal North Sports Ground in the Western Cape, Ramaphosa reflected on the day’s significance, acknowledging the painful legacies of conquest and dispossession while stressing the importance of reconciliation.
“For some, this day is a celebration of victory; for others, it remains a painful reminder of past injustices. We cannot heal these wounds by forgetting our history,” he said.
The president paid tribute to Vredendal’s farming community, describing it as a fertile land with vast agricultural potential. However, he lamented the exploitation farmworkers faced under apartheid and the ongoing challenges they endure today, including evictions.
I call on all South Africans to be part of making South Africa's Presidency a success.
https://t.co/Dwi379n19d
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 16, 2024“Despite legal protections, farmworkers and labour tenants are still being evicted without proper accommodation. Employers must treat workers humanely and uphold the law,” Ramaphosa said, referencing legislation like the Labour Relations Act.
The National Day of Reconciliation, observed annually on December 16 since 1995, aims to promote healing and unity following the apartheid era. This year’s theme, “Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures,” called attention to the work still needed to address inequalities and social divisions.
Local resident Ntsika Madela echoed the call for unity, stating: “We come from a painful past, but now we have democracy. It is time to forgive and move forward.”
