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The Gauteng provincial government will commemorate the 65th Sharpeville/Langa massacre day(now dubbed human rights day) with an event at the George Thabe Stadium.
Held under the theme “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,” highlighting the importance of service delivery and respect for human rights for everyone.
In a statement, the government said it is committed to tackling challenges that delay the full enjoyment of human rights and social justice.
“We have identified 13 challenges to tackle to bring about social justice and dignity for all, including crime; quality of services; access to water and more.
“Social justice is a key component of our democracy which seeks to ensure equal access to basic services such as health, education, food-security and more.”
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania will honor the martyrs who paid the ultimate price in the fight against the oppressive pass laws and colonial domination.
“This historic day reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of our people, who stood unarmed against the brutal apartheid regime, demanding dignity, freedom, and self-determination.
“Today, we recommit ourselves to the struggle for true liberation and Land restoration,” party president Mzwanele Nyhontso remarked.
Historic and tragic events of Sharpeville massacre
PAC commemoration will commence with a wreath-laying at Phelindaba cemetery to honor the fallen heroes followed by a march through Seeiso Street where they will retrace the steps of the struggle.
They will make a stop at the Sharpeville Memorial Site where they will gather for reflection and remembrance before the main commemoration event at Dlomo Dam with keynote address by Nyhontso.
Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader Julius Malema is also expected to lead his commissars and commanders in painting the historically township red where they will gather at Dlomo Dam to commemorate a defining moment in the history of the Sharpeville massacre.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) deputy leader and member of parliament, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, said South Africa observes human rights day, commemorating the tragic events of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.
ALSO READ | Human rights month events in Sharpeville to proceed as planned despite hiccups, says department
“This day serves as a poignant reminder of our nation’s ongoing commitment to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens as enshrined in the constitution.
“This year, BOSA is dedicating human rights day to highlight and defend a critical socio-economic right enshrined in our constitution—the right to sufficient water.
“Across the nation, countless citizens are grappling with water shortages and supply interruptions. Johannesburg, our economic hub, has been notably affected, with residents enduring prolonged water outages due to infrastructure decay and mismanagement,” she added.
Compounding the urgency, world water day falls on 22 March, the day following human rights day.
National chairperson and member of provincial legislature, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, will lead RISE Mzansi by laying a wreath; lighting candles; and reflecting on the need to continue advancing and protecting human
rights, so they can truly build the South Africa we all deserve.
Ramokgopa will be joined by the party’s chief organiser and member of parliament, Makashule Gana, head of internal democracy, Boitumelo Mpakanyane, and RISE Mzansi volunteers.
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