Today, South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day , in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre which took place on 21 March 1960. This massacre occurred as a result of protests against the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Almost almost 70 people died and more than 180 people were wounded when police opened fire on a peaceful crowd that was protesting the country’s pass laws.
This year Human rights Day falls under the theme: “The Year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: Promoting and Deeping a Human Rights Culture Across Society”. The theme is in line with the celebration of the centenary of former President Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela. He advocated for human rights for all and believed that to deny “people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”.
Today, “is a day which, more than many others, captures the essence of the struggle of the South African people and the soul of our non-racial democracy.” Thus, today should be a day of reflection, rejoice and mindfulness that all our actions should strive for the fulfilment of Human Rights of all people .