As announced by President Jacob Zuma in his State of the Nation Address, South Africa will this year mark the 50th anniversary of Human Rights Day.
In order to honour the 180 injured individuals and the 69 heroes and heroines who were killed during the protest, government has decided to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre on 21 March, Human Rights Day at Sharpeville Cricket Pitch next to George Thabe soccer stadium, Gauteng province.
Accompanied by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Radebe, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe will speak at the event. In addition to speeches, the programme will include an interdenominational church service, laying of wreaths, unveiling of a plaque and cultural performances.
This anniversary marks a significant milestone in the history of the struggle against apartheid and colonialism in South Africa and in the rest of the African continent. The massacre represents a watershed moment in the history of South Africa because it trigged a number of events which intensified the struggle against apartheid. These events include the banning of liberation movements and the declaration of the first state of emergency.
This year, the commemoration of Human Rights Day will take place under the theme: “Working together we can do more to protect human rights”. The theme is a call for unity in a national effort to strengthen our freedom and democracy. It is also a call to all South Africans to celebrate our new Constitution and to raise awareness about our human rights especially amongst young people.
Significantly, the anniversary takes place when South Africa on behalf of the African continent is hosting the biggest sporting event, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Moreover, it happens as the nation celebrates the release of one of the world’s human rights champions and the first President of a democratic South Africa, Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
His release marked the death of the apartheid system that was characterised by the abuse of human rights and the birth of a human rights centred society. In addition to the national commemoration, the other provinces will host their own events and cultural performances.
Government hopes that this year’s Human Rights Day commemoration will renew our commitment towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, prosperous and democratic society.
The programme will take place as follows:
06h00: Interdenominational church service at the Roman Catholic Church
08h00: Wreath laying at the Phelindaba cemetery by the family of victims, the Premier of Gauteng, Ms N Mokonyane and the Executive Mayor of Sedibeng, Councillor SM Mofokeng and MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ms N Moerane
09h30: Laying of wreaths at the Sharpeville memorial site by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr K Motlanthe, Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms L Xingwana and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr J Radebe, Premier of Gauteng, Ms N Mokonyane and the Executive Mayor of Sedibeng, Councillor SM Mofokeng
11h00: Official programme
For accreditation please send your names and identity (ID) numbers to: Patience Mogomotsi
Tel: 012 441 3083
Cell: 071 6806 709
E-mail: patience.mogomotsi@dac.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 8214 886
Tlali Tlali
Cell: 082 333 3880
Eric Mudzanani
Cell: 082 9400 927
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
15 March 2010
