The Northern Cape Provincial Government restored the basic human rights of Ouma /Gâ hais Van Rooi. This was done during the reburial of Ouma Van Rooi’s remains during the 2017 Human Rights Day celebrations at Steinkopf High School on Tuesday, 21 March 2017. Ouma Van Rooi was born in 1896 and passed away in 1925 due to harsh winter conditions. Her grave was raided between 1963 and 1964 where her remains were exhumed and some used in the Steinkopf High School’s Biology classroom.
The 2017 Human Rights Day was celebrated under a theme “The year of OR Tambo: Unity in action in advancing Human Rights”. Premier Sylvia Lucas delivered the Keynote address at the event.
The Province also marked the 2017 Human Rights Day through memorial lectures at various other districts. The Frances Baard District lecture was held at Kgomotso High School in Pampierstad while similar event was held at Hotazel Community Hall in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. In the ZF Mgcawu District the celebrations was held at Hotazel Community Hall in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. In the ZF Mgcawu District the celebrations was held at Kenhardt Community Hall while the Pixley ka Seme District event was held at Hopetown.
The Human Rights Day is celebrated in recognition of the sacrifices made by many in the long and bitter struggle for freedom and human rights in South Africa. Moreover, the Human Rights Month Activities payed particular focus to the issues of social cohesion with a clear understanding that the infringement of other people’s rights is a big setback in our attempt to build a socially cohesive society that is envisioned in the National Development Plan.
Build up events:
The 2017 Human Rights Day celebrations were preceded by various build up events which also took place in various parts of the Province.The Department of Education and Department of Justice rolled out Moot Court festivals across the Province. The Department of Sport, Arts & Culture rolled out soccer and netball tournaments as well as social cohesion dialogues.
The Department also facilitated inter-generational radio talk show where the born frees will engage stalwarts about issues of human rights.
Potholes at various access roads were patched by the massive roll out from Department of Roads and Public Works.
These activities provided a platform where society, within the context of human rights, discussed the social ills that are facing our society, including race and racism, and afford all with an opportunity to contribute in the nation building project of South Africa.
Issued by: Morapedi Sekhoane, (Communication: NC Sport, Arts & Culture)