Brakpan learners gathered to mark Human Rights Day through an interactive educational event hosted by Brakpan police, where they explored and debated the Bill of Rights.

Social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, in collaboration with the CPF, hosted the event in commemoration of Human Rights Day, which is observed annually on March 21.

The event, which was held at NG Kerk Brakpan Moedergemeente on March 20, was aimed at bringing together youth from different schools in Brakpan and allowing them to debate, challenge, and share knowledge and understanding of the South African Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights.

Participating schools were Brakpan High School, Dalpark Secondary School, Bethel Independent School, Elshaddai Learning Academy, Hoërskool Stoffberg and Thuto Private School.

Also in attendance were members from the EMPD’s Social Crime Prevention Unit, Freedom Front Plus PR Clr Riaan Van Zyl, members of local non-profit organisation Village of Hope, and parents who came to support the learners.

The programme was directed by Tumelo Buthelezi, a member of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, and proceedings were opened with a prayer by Charles Batao, a parent in attendance.

The teams from the different schools were called on stage to give a presentation about human rights.

Learners from Hoërskool Stoffberg stated that every human has a right to make a difference by showing kindness, respecting others, and speaking up against unfairness, which will help build a society where human rights are truly upheld.

They said human rights are not guaranteed, and they must be protected, respected, and promoted every single day.

The learners urged that citizens must not just celebrate Human Rights Day, but commit to being active defenders of human rights in the modern South African era.

Elshaddai Learning Academy learners said that while the Bill of Rights opened doors that were shut for a long time, there are still families without proper homes, learners that still struggle for basic education, and they questioned if human rights are still rights if they are inaccessible.

Dalpark Secondary School learners said that citizens must honour Human Rights Day through respect for another and reflect on how previous generations fought for these rights.

The learners were asked how they see SAPS contributing to human rights, and they responded that SAPS can assist communities in the fight against crime.

Brakpan High School said they were not at the event just to speak, but to reflect, question, and challenge themselves as a generation.

They said they are reflecting on the true meaning of Human Rights Day, Youth Day, Freedom Day, Workers’ Day, and other national days of observance, and reflected on whether citizens truly honour these days.

They also explained the importance of the Bill of Rights, and the true meaning behind the national flag, and how society fails to honour and understand these important days.

The team also explored the emotional reality communities face by highlighting the challenges people still face today.

Brakpan High School concluded by reminding everyone why these national holidays still matter. Thuto Private School said that learners are not fully enjoying human rights because of bullying and discrimination in schools.

They said human rights should promote equality amongst others. They concluded their presentation by reminding everyone that Human Rights Day was previously called Sharpeville Massacre Day.

Bethel Independent School said that the Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of the Constitution and represents democracy.

They also spoke about the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings to protest against apartheid’s pass laws. After the presentations, the floor was opened for questions and discussions.

“Learners challenged each other and, most importantly, learned. The guests also posed questions to the learners, and the learners answered diligently,” said Buthelezi.

The EMPD’s Constable Thembi Mabote and Warden Mpho Mogapi gave deliberation and feedback, and Van Zyl provided a closing statement.

In her closing remarks, Buthelezi told the learners that SAPS plays a crucial role in upholding human rights within the community through their constitutional mandate to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect inhabitants and secure properties, and to uphold and enforce the law.

Buthelezi further told the learners that whenever SAPS conducts a school search or talk, they are performing their role with regards to human rights by ensuring safer learning environments for school children.

Buthelezi concluded by saying that learners must exercise their rights with responsibilities. Matao then closed the event with a prayer.

Gratitude was extended to CPF sector 1 chairperson Simon Mabuse and his deputy chairperson Olga Joubert and her husband and CPF member Ampie Joubert for their assistance during the event.

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