April 2 Reconciliation Day

Reconciliation Day is celebrated on April 2 of each year. Reconciliation Day is a special day to patch relationships and to make amends. Its intention is to re-establish relationships between family, friends and couples. Life is too short to hold a grudge between those we love.

Since 1989, newspaper columnist Ann Landers has promoted April 2and as Reconciliation Day. She writes an annual article dedicated to this day. She posts and replies to readers' questions and issues on reconciliation.

Reconciliation Day acknowledges that violence but forges the two separate holidays into a single holiday that unites the whole of the South African people. It celebrated the Boer victory over the Zulus at the Battle of Blood River in 1838. By contrast, for black South Africans, the day was significant as the anniversary of the founding of UmkhontoweSizwe, the armed wing of the anti-Apartheid African National Congress.

For those considering reconciliation, the old saying is "It's never too late". But, that is not true. Someday, it could be too late. So, please use today to begin your reconciliation.