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100 signatures reached
To: The President of South Africa and the Speaker of the National Assembly
We demand the government to make the 2nd of January a National Holiday
We demand that the government amend the Public Holidays Act to include January 2nd as a permanent public holiday. This will ensure that citizens get to spend the welcoming of the new year with family, ensure safety (road fatigue recovery), boost worker productivity, and honor the historical 'Tweede Nuwe Jaar' tradition.
Why is this important?
- South Africans celebrate the New Year with great energy, often staying awake through the night of December 31st into January 1st.
- Some South Africans cannot even spend New Year's with their families since they are forced to drive back to their respective cities shortly after Christmas so they can report to work on the 2nd. If they spend New Year's, they will have to go back later that evening, and travelling after the 31st festivities is a safety risk due to extreme fatigue.
- With South Africa facing high road fatality rates during the festive season, an extra day of rest is a life-saving intervention.
- Furthermore, January 2nd holds deep cultural weight as 'Tweede Nuwe Jaar,' historically a day of rest and celebration for the enslaved people of the Cape.
It is for these reasons that we demand our government look into making January 2nd a public holiday. Not only does it make it possible for families to celebrate welcoming the New Year together, but it is also a day that will honour our history and heritage.
If we all come together and sign this petition, we can pressure the government into ensuring that workers get sufficient family time and rest, as well as honour the history of formerly enslaved people of the Cape.
If we all come together and sign this petition, we can pressure the government into ensuring that workers get sufficient family time and rest, as well as honour the history of formerly enslaved people of the Cape.