Republic Day 31 May - Republiekdag 31 Mei

31 May Republic Day – 31 Mei Republiekdag

The choice of this particular day was no accident, but was deeply significant in South African history.

31 May 1902
The end of the Boer War on 31 May 1902, 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. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging, signed at Melrose House in Pretoria (not in Vereniging). The British Union Jack is victoriously hoisted over the entire South Africa. On signing the “peace agreement” the Boers officially lost the independence of their internationally recognized Boer Republics. The Boer people not only lost their independence but also lost 50 % of their child population in the British concentration camps.

31 May 1910

Eight years later on 31 May 1910, 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 flag is designed, but not officially adopted for 10 years.

31 Mei 1938

This is also the date when the South African flag had first been flown on 31 May 1938. 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 centenary 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 her 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.

Republic Day 31 May - Republiekdag 31 Mei