“As we celebrate our human rights today, we should also take into account that we are commemorating a sad day in the history of our country. The good memories are that we are enjoying human rights because we have a democratic government. The sad part of it is that there are people who lost their lives, so that we could attain this freedom.”

Those were the words of Cllr Nkele Milanzi, the acting mayor, during the Musina Municipality’s Human Rights Day celebration in the Nancefield Community Hall.  

She added that everyone had the right to life, equality, freedom and human dignity. 

“Let’s all enjoy these rights instead of violating them.” She referred to the protests in Langa and Sharpeville in the 1960s “that gave birth to these rights. Scores of people died for these rights. We should always avoid violating these human rights in honour of those who paved the way for our freedom.”

Various organisations and government departments who partnered Musina Municipality during the event include the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the South African Police Service, the Department of Health and the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Representatives from the partnering institutions also enlightened scores of people who filled the Nancefield community hall to capacity during the event.

Ms Liesel Roos, an executive administrator of the IOM, said the lives of those who came to South Africa for whatever reason must be respected and protected. “Most of them come here to seek solace as they are facing difficult situations in their own countries. We need to understand that these people have rights which need to be protected.”

Mr Carles Gatoto of the UNHCR said it is encouraging to see the residents of Musina living together in harmony. “For everyone to enjoy their human rights, they have to respect the simple principle of Ubuntu.”

The chief executive officer of the Musina Hospital, Mr George Makuya, said people shouldn’t hesitate to visit the hospital whenever they were not feeling well. “Access to health care is everyone’s right. You should visit the hospital for treatment.”

It was clear that people were totally enlightened about their rights. Rosina Mamafha from Matswale said: “Human Rights Day reminds me of the contributions that our fallen heroes and heroines made, so that our country can be a good place to live in. Today’s presentations laid a foundation for most of us to respect human rights, freedom and justice.”