South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day today (Thursday, 21 March 2019). This is an annual celebration that is in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre which took place on 21 March 1960.

Nomkhuleko Thutshini and Sanele Xaba from the Communications department went out to the different DUT campuses to engage with their peers on this significance commemoration:

Shavonne Singh, First year Town Planning

“Human Rights day means that I have specific rights in this world and no one can disrespect my rights. My rights come with responsibilities and I need to take ownership of not only my rights but the responsibilities attached to each one of them.”

Sabelo Gumede, First Year ICT Business Analysis

“Human Rights basically means being free to express yourself and whatever you do, you are doing it for yourself.  Having rights in South Africa also means expressing yourself without violating other people’s rights.”

Sphamandla Zulu, Third Year Tourism Management

“Human Rights are the rules which were administered by the government to protect other people’s rights. You also have a right to take action when someone is violating your right and if you are not satisfied about something you can voice out your opinion”.

Sfezo Gwala, BTech, Financial Information System

“Human Rights means as black people we are protected by the constitution and we have the right to life and access to our basic needs such as the right to a have shelter, education, food security etc. We also have a right to protest if these basic needs are not fulfilled.”

Gaden Govender, First Year Operations Management

“Human Right means we have freedom of speech, I am allowed to say whatever I want, speak about how I feel and no one has the right to judge me and people who are homeless are entitled to food by the government.”

Nombuso Mchunu, Second Year, Consumer Science

“Human Rights goes hand in hand with responsibilities and the responsibility to treat people with respect, dignity and be kind towards people.”