On the 21st of March this year, South Africans will commemorate human rights day under the theme “the year of unity, social economic renewal and nation building.” The 1960’s were characterized by systematic protests against the apartheid regime all across the country. On the 21st of March in 1960, the community of Sharpeville and other communities united together and embarked on a protest march against the segregation laws.
The apartheid regime police force shot and killed 69 protesters at Sharpeville. However the tragedy has made South African citizens free hence they are commemorating the human rights day. The human rights day is celebrated because it is a day when most black people in the country received their independence.
Thembeka Nkabinde spoke to Ekurhuleni News to share her views, stating that, “if it was not for the struggles and sacrifices that our old generation went through, we wouldn’t be celebrating this iconic day. The lives of the new generation are vastly different from the ones of the old generation. We should use the freedom we have today to conquer the world, as there are many more opportunities lately than back then. The power of social media has changed the world and it has made a huge impact as well. So let us make use of the human rights to create a better country for all. Our leaders have fought a good fight let us celebrate this day and their legacy, because If it was not for them we would not be here today, let us not take our opportunities for granted,” Nkabinde expressed.
By Vuyokazi Bam
