Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Celebrating the rights of free people in a beautiful country
In 1995, following the first democratic elections, the day became known as Human Rights Day. A day, where South Africans can celebrate their rights as free people. A day where we remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for equality and the fall of the apartheid regime. This amazing day, ushered in a new era, a new understanding and the first step in the right direction for our country.
Human Rights Day, is a day to be treated with respect and care, for it represents a fundamental element of the new South Africa and that is of course, change and unity.
On 21 March 1960, an act of violence triggered a spark. A spark that lit the fire which changed South African history forever.
It was a day when the police opened fire on a crowd of people gathering outside the Sharpville Station. A day which would later be remembered as the Sharpville Massacre. This day led to a revolution, which then led to an overall change for every man, woman and child. On the 21 March we must embrace each other and remember that forward movement is what will heal and grow not only South Africa, but us as people.
As South Africans prepare to commemorate Human Rights Day this month, the Newcastillian asked residents why they thought human rights were important. This is what they had to say:
Jenny Truter:
“Human rights mean that we have a right to everything our country has to offer, not just certain people anymore.”
Nokuthula Mathenjwa:
“I think Human Rights Day is important, because it reminds of us where we came from. It reminds us of the sacrifices people made for us, especially people like Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison fighting for equal rights. We as South Africans need to know we all have rights.”
As we count the days down until March 21, let us know what Human Rights Day means to you? Leave your comments below and let us remember the importance of equality, basic human rights and the freedom to embrace who we are as people.
