MEC for Social Development, Mr Gift van Staden was deployed to Kenhardt for the 2017 Human Rights Day commemoration.
In his Keynote address he referred to the origins of Human Rights Day, the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, which opened the international eyes for apartheid.
MEC van Staden also said that 21 March is a celebration of what we had achieved over the past years. Although we call it Human Rights Day, it is also “International Day for the Elimination of Race Discrimination”, “World Down Syndrome Day” and “World Poetry Day”.
This day is used to remind the nation of our transition from apartheid to a constitutional democracy based on the values of human dignity, the achievement of equality and the achievement of human rights and freedoms, as well as non-racialism and non-sexism. The rule of the Constitution and the Rule of Law is also guaranteed. A similar guarantee exists on the universal right to vote, to ensure a national voters' roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government, in order to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.”
MEC van Staden continued to say: “this year's celebration of the triumph of the human spirit against an unjust system is dedicated to the life and roles played by Oliver Reginald Tambo and Steve Bantu Biko in the liberation of our people.” expanding on the specific lives and contribution of them.
“Our democracy and the freedoms we enjoy was not easy to obtain. It cost blood, sweat and loss of life. Our parents and grandparents paid with their lives so that we are accepted and treated as equal people. And it's sad to see that we trample the freedom that we were granted.”
“People have not sacrificed their lives so that we can mistreat and humiliate others. They did not also suffered so that we, especially the youth, can waste it on drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy and many other useless things. All our freedom fighters have always emphasized the importance of education. For it is through education that we will break the grip of poverty and build a prosperous nation. My plea today is for young people to focus on what will make them better people.”
“To respect people's rights and value starts with respect for the person and his circumstances. It starts in the home and then circle out. If respect within the home is
retained, people outside the home will also be respected and be considered as equals.
Today our children in school do not have respect for the teachers, who contribute so much to their education and lay the foundation for futures full of promise.”
By Gamiem Abrahams