Republiekdag
South Africa
The 31st of May is a significant day in the history of South Africa. From 1961 to 1994 Republiekdag was observed on this day.
31 May 1902 - The end of the Boer War, when the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed by representatives of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State who had been waging war with Great Britain since October 1899. On signing the “peace agreement” the Boers officially lost the independence of their Boer Republics, and the British Union Jack was victoriously hoisted over the entire South Africa.
31 May 1910 - Eight years later, the Union of South Africa was inaugurated, uniting the previously separate colonies of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, the Transvaal, and the Orange Free State.
31 Mei 1928 - A new unique South African (orange-white-blue) flag is designed, but not officially adopted for 10 years.
31 Mei 1938 - Is the date when the South African flag was first flown. The new flag is hoisted next to the Union Jack in Cape Town, and a new National Anthem is sung. The new flag and anthem (Die Stem). The proceedings are planned to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Great Trek (1838- 1938).
31 May 1961 - The long-awaited Republic of South Africa comes into being. The Union of South Africa became the Republic of South Africa on the 31st May 1961, with its membership of the Commonwealth simultaneously expiring, thus severing its long-standing ties to the old British Empire. The orange-white-blue flag remains unchanged as the National flag of SA.
Republiekdag was abolished in 1995 after the ANC government came to power and all the holidays were revised. In 1994 South Africa rejoined the British Commonwealth.
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