The Department of Correctional Services will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sharpeville and Langa massacres with offenders and civil society ahead of national celebrations of Human Rights Day, at the Empangeni management area, Qalakabusha Correctional Centre, on Thursday, 18 March 2010, 10h00 to 12h00.
Department of Correctional Services will use these celebrations to declare its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights of all South Africans, including victims and perpetrators of crime whose rehabilitation rests on its shoulders. The event precedes the department’s budget vote of 25 March 2010 at which human rights are expected to be emphasised.
The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize, is expected to deliver the keynote address. Other speakers and participants include the Department of Correctional Services’ Regional Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Mnikelwa Nxele, Mayor Mnqayi of Umhlathuze and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
Events of 21 March 1960 during which protesters against pass laws came under heavy police fire, marked an important phase in the history of the struggle against apartheid and racism in South Africa. As a component of the security apparatuses of apartheid South Africa, prisons played a major role in attempts to break people’s resistance.
Members of the media are invited to participate. Arrival time is 09h20.
Enquiries:
Nokuthula Zikhali
Cell: 083 636 0876
David Hlabane
Cell: 082 052 3499
Phumlani Ximiya
Cell: 082 780 6227
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
15 March 2010
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za/)
