Reconciliation Day: People Ignore Cold Weather to Swim at Durban Beaches, KZN Premier Promotes National Unity

• Beachgoers in Durban made use of the public holiday by braving the cold weather to enjoy a day at the beach
• eThekwini's mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, encouraged people to adhere to beach safety regulations and Covid-10 protocols
• Sihle Zikalala urged South Africans to reflect on the meaning of the public holiday and work towards national unity

DURBAN - Yesterday (16 December) marked Reconciliation Day in South Africa. Many people made use of the public holiday by visiting the coastal city's beaches, despite cold weather.

A marching band entertained beachgoers by playing Christmas carols and people swam in the ocean.

Mxolisi Kaunda, the mayor of eThekwini, urged constituents to follow Covid-19 protocols and beach safety rules, TimesLIVE reports.

National Unity on the Day of Reconciliation

Sihle Zikalala, KwaZulu-Natal's premier, said that the public holiday should be used to reflect on how far South Africa has come and what needs to be done to achieve national unity.

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According to IOL, Zikalala said that South Africans should take their cue from the values enshrined in the Constitution when working on nation-building.

“The Constitution is the basis upon which we seek to create a new inclusive society free of racial, class and gender discrimination of the past," the premier said.

South Africa reacts to public holiday reports

Cee Simo said:

"Yes, girls and boys, enjoy your days while you are still young."

Jeremy Andrew asked:

"Wow, are they wearing masks and social distancing?"

MJ Hozanimadoda Qhali shared:

"It must be visitors from other provinces, they are coming too far to enjoy themselves but unfortunately the weather was not good. Anyway, we all know Durban is the warmest city compared to others."

Keith Morris believes:

"Covid stands no chance against our people."

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Ronald Hlatshwayo said:

"Many are unvaccinated and without masks, but leave them. It's their lives they are risking."

Sihle Zikalala warns KZN matrics against post-exam parties

Previously, Briefly News reported that Sihle Zikalala, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, warned the province's matric students against holding parties to celebrate the end of their final exams, as he fears it could lead to cluster breakouts of Covid-19.

The new Omicron variant reportedly transmits easier amongst younger people, which is the source of Zikalala's concern. He said that post-matric parties have a tendency of ignoring Covid-19 protocols, which makes them dangerous.

There is a trend of matric students going to the province to celebrate the end of their final exams and high school careers. Binge drinking and over capacity venues make these parties Covid-19 breeding grounds.

Source: Briefly News