On the 21st of March 2023, our nation is celebrating Human Rights Day. Though it’s always exciting to have a day off (especially in the middle of a week!) it’s important that we acknowledge and honour those who lost their lives to set our beautiful nation free.
Today, Human Rights Day in South Africa serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for justice and equality during the country’s dark history of apartheid. It is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made since then, as well as to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone in the country enjoys the full range of human rights. We’re here to give you some suggestions for how to spend your Human Rights Day in Sandton Central celebrating our freedom fighters’ legacy of strength and resilience.
What is the history of Human Rights Day?
Human Rights Day in South Africa has its roots in the country’s struggle against apartheid. The Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 was a turning point in this struggle. On March 21st that year, thousands of black South Africans took to the streets to protest against the Pass Laws, which restricted their freedom of movement. The peaceful demonstration turned violent when police opened fire on the crowd, killing 69 people and injuring over 180 more.
Following the massacre, the apartheid government declared a state of emergency and banned all anti-apartheid organisations. In response, the international community rallied behind the cause of the anti-apartheid movement, leading to increased economic and political pressure on South Africa.
In 1994, after decades of struggle, South Africa held its first democratic elections, with Nelson Mandela becoming the country’s first black president. Human Rights Day was officially declared a public holiday by the new government to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre and to celebrate the country’s progress in the fight for human rights.
How you can honour the legacy of Human Rights Day in Sandton Central
- Volunteer to keep parks litter-free.
Give back to your community in small ways by taking a dustbin liner to a park in Sandton Central and picking up any litter, debris or items that don’t belong, depositing it in the bin! It’s free, it’s quick, and it enhances everyone’s lives – so you can fit this activity in between whatever else you might have planned on your free day. You can find a number of parks in Sandton Central.
- Support local charities and aid organisations
If you’re short on time but still want to do your part, consider donating to a charity or organisation that helps disempowered youth in Sandton Central. Kids Haven cares for street children and other kids in dire straits. Unity College is a school for special needs children which offers therapy, extra mural activities, and integrated outreach programs. There are tons of other charities to choose from too, so you can find the perfect fit for your spend.
- Attend John Kani’s Rendition of Nothing But the Truth
John Kani is one of South Africa’s most world-renowned actors, authors, directors and playwrights. His one-man show, Nothing But the Truth, follows “the story of two brothers, of sibling rivalry, of exile, of memory and reconciliation, and the ambiguities of freedom,” during the apartheid era.
This play was his debut as sole playwright and was first performed in the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in 2002. We as South Africans must remember and examine the legacy of apartheid through art, and this play acts to open that dialogue excellently. You can purchase tickets here.
Happy Human Rights Day!
Make the most of this day. It is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone in the country enjoys the full range of human rights. The Sandton Central Team wishes you a happy and meaningful Human Rights Day, and we encourage you to continue to stand up for human rights, not just on this day, but every day!
