Speech by Minister Goodenough Kodwa on the occasion of the Launch of the 2024 Human Rights Month at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility,
Programme Director;
Minister of Justice, Mr Lamola;
Correctional Services National Commissioner;
Director General of Department of Justice and Senior leadership of the Departments;
Families of Liberation Stalwards executed at Kgosi Mampuru;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is befitting that we gather in this facility as we launch the Human Rights Month, given the history and the role this place played in the violation of human rights in the past.
It is my pleasure that we are meeting under different circumstances and in the process recognising this place as part of the liberation heritage so that the history can be passed to future generations.
Human rights month is observed to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. On 21 March, national Human Rights Day is commemorated to honor the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 where peaceful protestors marched against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police.
The Sharpeville massacre stands as a potent symbol of the brutal realities of apartheid. Sharpeville's historical significance extended beyond its national borders, receiving global attention which culminated in the United Nations (UN) Security Council passing a resolution condemning the killings and calling for the South African government to abandon its policy of apartheid and the UN General Assembly declaring apartheid as a violation of the UN Charter. Six years after massacre, the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Sharpeville massacre galvanised the anti-apartheid movement both within South Africa and internationally. It energized resistance efforts and led to increased solidarity among activists and organizations working towards the dismantling of apartheid. The massacre served as a catalyst for global awareness of the oppressive nature of apartheid and prompted increased international pressure on the South African government. Over the following decades, the anti-apartheid movement gained momentum, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of the apartheid in the early 1990s.
The Commemoration of the National Human Rights Day is planned to be held on 21 March 2024, at the George Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville, Gauteng, under the theme “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”. The hosting of the event in Sharpeville symbolises government’s commitment to honour sacrifices made by those who fought and died for our liberation in Sharpeville and other townships across the land. It makes sense that we take the commemoration of the day to the place where it originated.
The year 2024, including National Human Rights Day, coincides with several historic milestones in the nation’s fight for fundamental human rights and freedoms. South Africans from all walks of life will be participating the 7th National Elections since the dawn of democracy and the country, in April, will be celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa.
From 1994 to date, South Africa underwent a radical transition from the oppressive apartheid regime, with its system founded on parliamentary sovereignty, to a constitutional democracy committed to the creation of a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.
To scale up the commemorations, Government has dedicated the entire month of March as the Human Rights Month (HRM).
Human Rights Month is a time designated to raise awareness and promote the importance of human rights. Some of the key significances of Human Rights Month include:
- An opportunity to educate people about their rights as outlined in various international human rights documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
- Providing a platform for advocacy and activism on human rights issues. Organizations and individuals often use this time to highlight specific human rights violations, advocate for policy changes, and promote social justice initiatives.
- Commemorating significant historical events related to human rights, to reflect on progress made and challenges ahead in the realm of human rights.
- Celebration of the diversity of humanity and promotion of the inclusion and equality of all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or other characteristics. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the inherent dignity and worth of every person.
By raising awareness about human rights, Human Rights Month empowers individuals to stand up for their own rights and the rights of others. It encourages people to become active participants in promoting and defending human rights within their communities and beyond.
Human Rights Month fosters a sense of global solidarity by highlighting the interconnectedness of human rights issues across borders. It encourages collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals to address systemic human rights challenges on a global scale.
Overall, Human Rights Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to uphold and protect human rights for all individuals worldwide. It encourages reflection, action, and solidarity in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
This year’s National Human Rights Day will be preceded by an International National Human Rights Conference, bringing together key stakeholders from across the globe as well as other government departments, to assess progress on the advancement of human rights since 1994. The Conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from the 18th to 20th of March 2024 and is premised on the Department’s core mandate to uphold and administer the Constitution, deepening constitutional democracy, and promoting the values of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.
Through this Conference, South Africa will conduct critical assessment of its state of human rights almost three decades into its constitutional democracy.
There will be other activations across the country, amongst others, the Social Cohesion Dialogue to be hosted by the Eastern Cape Province in Gqeberha on the 20th of March. Panellists in this programme include leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to building bridges across diverse communities. Amongst them will be Dr Brigalia Bam, former Chairperson of IEC and Dr Bonisile John Kani and Ms Rochelle de Kock from Herald Newspaper.
I therefore call upon all South Africans to participate in these events as part of recognised that we have a long way, these freedoms were not given on a silver platter, but South Africans lost their lives for us to be free.
