The Department of Arts and Culture will host national Human Rights Day commemorations on 21 March 2013 at Mbekweni Township, Western Cape province.
This year Human Rights Day will be commemorated under the theme “United in advancing socio-economic freedom for all.” Government’s programme will be led by the Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Human Rights Day is a national day that is commemorated annually on 21 March. This day honours people who have lost their lives fighting for democracy. Human Rights Day reminds us of our rights and responsibilities towards one another in a democratic society.
On 21 March 1960 our people protested against the Pass Laws. In Sharpeville thousands of people gathered at the police station to express their resistance to the Pass Laws that discriminated against them. It was at this peaceful march that the police shot and killed 69 people and left many others injured.
This and many other events mobilised the international community to take action against the apartheid government. The United Nations (UN) subsequently declared 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On the 21 March 1996, South Africa unveiled and adopted its Constitution in Sharpeville and the day was dedicated to celebrate our newly found human rights.
The month of March will also be dedicated to educating South Africans about their rights, and the accompanying responsibilities that will empower all citizens to actively contribute in the socio-economic development of the country.
Journalists are invited to attend the event.
Date: 21 March 2013
Time: 08:00–15h00
Venue: Mbekweni Community Sports Centre – Paarl, Western Cape province
RSVP: Teresa Shabalala
Cell: 082 933 9156
Enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
