What does Human Rights Day mean to you?

What does Human Rights Day mean to you?

Ms Dorris Mashego said, “The day is to celebrate how far the country has come, the struggles we have overcome. However, our human rights are still being violated and it happens everyday. We know our rights but we cannot practise them. When one tries to raise his or her voice, the person gets locked up in police cells. Police officers are used by the government to silence its people. Real criminals walk free with no fear because they are connected and working with the police. The day means nothing to me.”

Ms Zodwa Mokwena said, “The day does not mean anything to me. It is just a day of relaxation for workers and school pupils. Many people are seen as second-grade citizens and only the rich and famous get the full benefit of rights to health, safety, shelter and education. We are denied our rights to access basic needs, we are abused and robbed on a daily basis. To me there is nothing to celebrate.”

Mr Vincent Mothoa said, “Human rights is a wonderful and vital idea that benefits all those who subscribe to it. Those who enjoy the privilege of being able to exercise these rights are among the most fortunate people on Earth and they should do everything in their power to extend these privileges to those who do not. Who deserves Human Rights? Abused children – who get sent back to the very same person who abused them because there is no space in any of the children’s homes? Matriculants – who cannot access free bursaries because they passed with averaged marks? How about the poor, who are denied the rights to access basic needs. So many promises were made by the government in the past but they failed to fulfil them. Now we are facing new elections. They cannot even campaign in our area because they know people are complaining about everything.”

Ms Welmina Ledwaba said, “The day is nothing more than a day off. We are probably celebrating not having to go to work. It is a good chance to sleep in and perhaps go to the malls or have a braai. I do not even know my rights because I am still using a pit toilet that smells. Our rights are violated on a daily basis by some corrupt government officials. I registered for a house for more than 15 years ago but I am still waiting to be served my right to get proper shelter and sanitation.”

Mr Velly Mathye said, “The day itself means very little to me as I have difficulty remembering which public holiday is which. Since I am unemployed, I sometimes even forget which day is which because I wake up and sit doing nothing as there are no jobs. The public holiday should be nice for those working because it is a day off work. It is celebrated by the rich and middle class people. To us, the poor who still have no access to decent housing, education, jobs and facilities, it means totally nothing.”