Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked with 21 March 1960, and the events of Sharpeville. On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws. This day marked a declaration by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. It became an iconic date in South Africa’s history and is commemorated as Human Rights Day as a reminder of peoples’ rights. Human Rights Day is both a celebration of the rights of all citizens and a solemn remembrance of the suffering and sacrifice necessary to secure them.
Durban University of Technology staff and students were asked about the significance of Human Rights Day and how they will celebrate this iconic day.
Crispin Hemson, Director of the International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON), said: “Each generation will see Human Rights a bit differently. For us in South Africa, the experience of apartheid still has strong symbolism because it represented the denial of human rights. Yet we are still faced with new challenges – for example, the pandemic of HIV/AIDS hit us after the end of apartheid. That issue became the opportunity for new forms of exclusion and oppression on one hand and on the other hand the opportunity for resistance and organisation.”
He also added that while there are societies still based on economic exclusion and inequality, there will be constant struggles for the recognition of human rights. Hemson said ICON will celebrate Human Rights Day by making a positive contribution.
“With our colleagues on the Leadership Programme, we (about 40 in total) will be travelling to Lindelani in Ntuzuma to launch with local community leaders a Peace Forest. This project will have many environmental, social and economic dimensions, from growing vegetables to fostering peace amongst local families to removing litter and ending pollution of the stream that runs through the forest,” he said.
B-Tech Public Relations student, Nkululeko Mbatha said to him Human Rights Day signifies that South Africa is a free and democratic country, where all people enjoy equal human rights. “South Africa is a unique country because we are a vastly diverse society which embraces our diversity, and Human Rights Day always ignites the feeling that we have earned the right to belong to a free and diverse society,” said Mbatha.
Third-year Tourism Management student, Siphiwe William said this day brings about mixed emotions to most South Africans. “To me, it marks liberation for South Africans who were previously disadvantaged by the apartheid regime. But most importantly, South Africans should always remember that every human right comes with responsibilities and we should never neglect that,” he said.
Third-year Public Relations student, Nonto Mkhize said Human Rights Day to her is the power or right, to act, speak or think as she wants. “The ability to be able to be who and what I aspire to be as an individual and a female in today’s society, without any confinements whatsoever – because I have rights. All that said, without stepping on anyone’s toes or hurting anyone along the way of embracing my rights,” she said.
Nduduzo Ndlovu /Waheeda Peters
Picture Credit: Google Images
