Introduction

Human Rights Day holds profound significance in South Africa as it honors the events that occurred in Sharpeville in 1960.  Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight against apartheid and oppression, as well as a celebration of the progress made towards building a more inclusive and equal society. In the blog post, we delve into the significance of Human Rights Day in South Africa, reflecting on its historical roots, celebrating progress, and acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the pursuit of equality and justice.

The Historical Roots/ Honoring the Past

On 21 March 1960, the Pan African Congress (PAC), a South African national liberation Pan-Africanist movement, organized a peaceful protest to the police station in Sharpeville to demonstrate against the discriminatory pass laws imposed by the apartheid regime. Tragically, the protest turned violent when police officers opened fire on the unarmed crowd. The events resulted in the deaths of 69 people and injuring of 180 more. The massacre sparked international outrage, leading to increased pressure on the South African government to dismantle the apartheid system.

Progress and Change

When South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994, it made significant strides in advancing human rights and promoting social justice. Aligned with this, Nelson Mandela, the country’s first democratic President, proclaimed 21 March Human Rights Day and an official public holiday. In 1996, the country adopted The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the supreme law of the country, providing the legal framework for governance, rights, and responsibilities of citizens, as well as the structure and functions of government institutions. The rights under the law included the right to equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. Today, Human Rights Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards realizing these rights and to reaffirm our commitment to upholding them for all citizens. 

Moving Forward

While much progress has been made, South Africa continues to grapple with systemic challenges related to poverty, inequality, and social injustice. The legacy of apartheid continues to impact communities across the country. Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address these issues and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all. As we commemorate this day, let us honor the legacy of those who have fought for freedom and equality by continuing to advocate for human rights in South Africa and around the world. Let us stand in solidarity with all those who continue to face discrimination and injustice, and let us work together to build a future where human rights are upheld, respected, and protected for all.

Resources

McRae, M. 2019. The Sharpeville Massacre [Online]. Available: https://humanrights.ca/story/sharpeville-massacre [2024, March 20].

Human Rights Day. [Online]. Available: https://www.parliament.gov.za/project-event-details/2 [2024, March 20].