MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Although the origin of the Day of Reconciliation may be the covenant the Voortrekkers made at the battle of Blood River, modern democracy in South Africa begs the day to be used to unify the people of South Africa as one nation irrespective of race, creed or gender.
This was the central message at the Reconciliation Day programme hosted in Mossel Bay's Town Hall on Tuesday, 16 December.
Mossel Bay's Executive Mayor Alderlady Marie Ferreira said although the day is a stark reminder of the conflict between races, Reconciliation Day is intended to leave the past behind.
"Embrace the day to bring about the reality of a united South Africa", she urged everyone present.
"Radical reconciliation is required," Mr Van der Westhuizen said.
"We need to move away from what I call political pietism. We need to cross the Rubicon. Not wanting to upset people has lead political leaders to not being radical enough to create the legal framework necessary for transformation. Political leaders instead do not dig deep enough to come to the roots of injustice, not go far enough to eradicate the injustices of the past.
"Equally so, many religious leaders stand aside and do not want to get involved or loose face with friends by fighting for true reconciliation, a problem I call Christian quietism. What we need is for everyone to ask of themselves what they can do to add to true reconciliation. One of the reasons for discontent is the fact that we do not know each other. As a result we are distrustful and disrespectful.
"In Eden we need real, radical and revolutionary reconciliation to create a shared vision and a shared destiny," Mr Van der Westhuizen added.
In the devotion by Bishop Henry Mc Combi, he called on everyone in Eden to work towards forgiveness and a shared destiny.
The day was celebrated in fashionable style by displays of rieldans by troupes from Van Wyksdorp and Kranshoek, Plettenberg Bay. Their renditions of the various styles of the dance enthused the audience and had the people standing and dancing in the isles.
Key note speaker Rev Dr Frank Chikane was a past Director General of the presidency of South Africa under Past President Thabo Mbeki and also consulted for Presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma. He is currently the President of The AFM International, an international religious body to promote the image of the Apostolic Faith
Mission worldwide and to coordinate fellowship between AFM National Churches in all countries.
He said the architects of our new democracy gave South Africa the opportunity to correct the injustices of the legacy of apartheid.
Several artists added to the lustre of the programme. The G-Minor band's live performance was one of the highlights of the day, as was the solo rendition of Amazing Gracy by Brian Lekay and the lovely tunes of saxophonist Emil Conrad.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay, Garden Route news'
