16 December 1838 -- Traditional commemoration date for the Battle of Blood River, which is considered a major victory in Voortrekker history. The Voortrekkers vowed to celebrate the day as a Sabbath if God would give them victory over the Zulu. As a result of the battle, the Voortrekkers gained land in what is now KwaZulu Natal.
Now a South African national holiday which clebrates the the building of a new multi-racial society: Day of Reconciliation.

