19 March 2007
10h30-12h30: Provincial Honours Awards - Cape Town International Convention
Centre (CTICC)
The Premier, Ebrahim Rasool, will honour 16 Human Rights Activists as per
the Provincial Honours Act 9 of 1999. Herein section 6(1) of the Western Cape
Provincial Constitution makes provision for the recognition of persons
rendering exceptional achievements and meritorious service in the interest of
the province of the Western Cape. The 16 people to be honoured have all
contributed to the culture of human rights and nation-building in South Africa,
and in specific, the Western Cape.
The nominations for the awards are: Chief Albert John Luthuli; Robert
Simangaliso Sobukwe; Steve Bantu Biko; Helen Suzman; Basil February; James
Arnold la Guma; Clements Kadalie; Dulcie Evonne September; Harold Jack Simons;
Lizzie Adriana Abrahams; Michael Lapsley; Reginald September; Elizabeth
Mafikeng; Anna Berry; Dora Tamana; John James Issel.
13h30-15h30: National Human Rights Day, Masiphumelele High School -
Fishoek
The Maspihumelele community recently experienced conflict between residents
of Masiphumelele and the Somali refugees. Following a request from the parties
in conflict, the Directorate Social Dialogue and Human Rights in the Department
of the Premier, in collaboration with the Department of Community Safety
embarked on a mediation process that included an analysis of the situation as
well as recommendations for a lasting solution to the challenge.
The process also included a co-ordinated approach involving government,
community members, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business, and
international institutions as well as skills development in business, community
leadership and conflict resolution.
These interventions resulted in the stabilisation of the conflict between
the two parties. The Human Rights Day event will therefore strengthen this
initiative and at the same time contribute to the promotion of the vision of a
Home for All and an inclusive human rights culture.
The Premier, Ebrahim Rasool, will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of
Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba and Jody Kollapen, National Commissioner at the
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
16h00-19h00: Human Rights Concert, Cape Town Festival - Company Gardens
For further information, please contact:
Shado Twala
Spokesperson
Office of the Premier of the Western Cape
Tel: (021) 483 5642
Fax: (021) 483 5636
Cell: 083 640 6771
E-mail: stwala@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
19 March 2007
