South Africans will commemorate Human Rights Day tomorrow (Saturday, March 21), a day that honours those who fought for freedom and dignity during the struggle against the dark days of Apartheid. The day commemorates the tragic events of March 21, 1960 (Sharpeville
Massacre). On that day, police opened fire on peaceful protesters opposing apartheid “pass
laws,” killing 69 people and wounding 180, marking a pivotal turning point in the struggle
against Apartheid.
Human rights are now entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa primarily through Chapter 2, known as the Bill of Rights, which acts as the cornerstone of the country’s democracy. The Bill of Rights enshrines fundamental civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for all people in South Africa, including non-citizens. These rights include equality, human dignity, life, privacy, freedom of expression, association, movement, and labour rights. Unlike many constitutions, South Africa’s explicitly includes justiciable socio-economic rights, such as the right to access housing, healthcare, food, water and social security, and the right to basic education.
Unfortunately, the South African government is seemingly the biggest perpetrator of human rights infringements – one just has to look at the poor state of our roads, hospitals, schools, electricity and water disruptions, a failing police force and service delivery, etc, which tell a sad story. The democracy South Africans enjoy today came at a high price, with many sacrificing their lives for what has now seemingly turned into a horror movie.
However, on this Human Rights Day, let us pay tribute to those who paved the way for the establishment of a society based on democratic values and fundamental human rights. *In the spirit of Human Rights Day, let us also remember all those who are being oppressed throughout the world.