Human Right Day
13 March 2007
Mpumalanga Provincial Human Rights Day Celebration to be held on 21 March
2007 Leandra Stadium, Govan Mbeki Municipality, Gert Sibande District.
Human Rights Day is a national event that is celebrated annually to mark the
anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre 47 years ago. The Department of
Culture, Sport and Recreation in conjunction with Govan Mbeki Municipality will
be hosting the celebration at Leandra Stadium, Govan Mbeki Municipality on 21
March 2007. This year's theme is 'Know your rights and accept your
responsibilities'.
The Constitution of our country provides for the establishment of the South
African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) of which the aim is to promote respect
for human rights, promote the protection, development and attainment of human
rights, and to monitor and assess the observance of human rights in South
Africa. The South African Human Rights Commission was launched on 21 March
1996, 35 years after the fateful events of 21 March 1960, when sixty-nine
peaceful anti-pass law demonstrators were killed and 180 wounded by police
outside the Sharpeville Police Station.
In apartheid South Africa this day became known as Sharpeville Day and
although not part of the official calendar of public holidays, the event was
commemorated among anti-apartheid movements. Objectives of the celebrations
amongst others include:
* to commemorate the historical significance of the Human Rights Day
* promote reconciliation and nation building
* promote and maintain human rights for a caring society
* educate communities to upholding the rights of people living with HIV and
AIDS.
The Premier of the Mpumalanga province, Honourable T Makwetla, the hosting
MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Mr Jabu Mahlangu and civic organisations
will attend the event. People are expected to attend in large numbers to
celebrate the event.
The occasion will be graced by artists such as Matwetwe, Balatedi Bamorena,
Lanyandza KV Mothemane, Leandra Chorale, Village Gossip Productions and the
international acclaimed artist Tshepo Tshola; there will be feast of
traditional music too. The event will start at 08h00.
Enquiries:
Sammy Mpatlanyane
Tel: (013) 766 5014
Cell: 082 923 0550
Vincent Gana
Tel: (013) 766 5215
Issued by: Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mpumalanga
Provincial Government
13 March 2007
