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Mr Ndifelani Magadani - "take campaigns to rural areas."
News - Date: 21 March 2016
Human Rights Day is a national day in South Africa that is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in the country.
The commemoration provides the country with an opportunity to reflect on progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights.
On 21 March 1960, the community of Sharpeville and Langa townships, like their compatriots across the country, embarked on a protest march to protest against the pass laws. During the protest at Sharpville, 69 of the protesters were shot and killed. After 1994, the democratic government declared March 21 Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for the liberation of the country.
Limpopo Mirror interviewed the public on the question of whether Human Rights Day was still important. The majority of people stated that the Human Rights Day was important, as it reminded the younger generations about the history of the country. It also educates people about their rights. "It is important, because it encourages our younger generation to know more about the rights that we have in our country and how should we practice these rights," said Ms Bernitta Mashau.
According to Mr Ndifelani Magadani, the government and stakeholders should take campaigns to the rural areas. "People in urban areas know a lot about these rights, but it's just that people in general do not understand that it is not just about their rights only. There are responsibilities that come with those rights." He added that the communities in the rural areas must be informed about those rights.
Members of public also stated that it was the duty of the government and the human rights organisations to educate all the people about the importance of the day. They added, however, that it was important that the people needed to understand their rights and also their responsibilities. Ms Thabelo Magiledzhi added that the people should not undermine others' rights and should promote fairness, peace and equality.
The disabled Mr John Ramarumo said that Human Rights Day served no purpose as disabled people were still being discriminated against in the work place. “It's difficult to get a job. Our rights are being undermined,” he added.
The provincial Humans Rights Celebrations will take place at the Phalama Sports Grounds in Thenge Village under the auspicves of the Mutale Local Municipality on Monday. According to the media liaison officer of the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Moss Shibambu, the event will start with a march against racism led by Premier Stanley Mathabatha. It will start at 09:00 and will start at the Mutale municipal bus stop and end at the Phalama Sports Grounds.
The theme of this year's celebrations is Racism: not in my name. Shibambu asks everyone to support the event and refrain from racism. From 14 to 20 March it will also be anti-racism week.
During Monday's festivities, the ZCC brass band, traditional dancers, local and national artists will entertain the guests.
The 22-year-old Mbulaheni (Gary) Ridovhona has been passionate about journalism to the extent that he would buy himself a copy of weekly Univen students' newsletter, Our Voice. After reading, he would write stories about his rural village, Mamvuka, and submit them to the very newsletter for publication. His deep-rooted love for words and writing saw him register for a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at the University of Venda, and joined the Limpopo Mirror team in February 2016 as a journalism intern.
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