Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised that Human Rights Day is not just a day to remember the past, but a call to action for all South Africans.

Mashatile was delivering his keynote address at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega, previously known as Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape, where he aligned this year's theme, "Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights", with the urgent need to reinforce justice and equality across the nation.

The 1985 Langa Massacre, where 20 people died fighting against apartheid in Kariega, illustrates both the tenacity and the challenges faced by many South Africans, he said.

He also referenced the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, 25 years prior, where apartheid police killed 69 peaceful protesters demonstrating against apartheid-era laws.

“Both events serve as reminders of the Struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.”

The deputy president said these tragic events exemplify the immense human cost of oppression and compel us to renew our commitment to building a society where such injustices are never repeated.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Day this year, we are reminded that the legacy of our Struggle is not just one of remembrance, but one of action.”

This year’s theme is not just a slogan but a commitment to ensure justice and equitable outcomes for marginalised people, requiring renewed commitment from all sectors of our society.

“It calls on us to deepen our efforts in building a culture that respects and upholds human rights. This requires us to recognise the inherent value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.”

It has been 30 years since the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which served as a crucial step to address past injustices, promote reparations to victims, and promote reconciliation, he said.

“While progress has been made in certain cases, significant work remains to be done to fully implement direct TRC recommendations, particularly in addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all victims receive appropriate redress.”

He recalled a commitment made to him during the Human Rights Day programme by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, that the many unaddressed TRC issues would be attended to urgently.

During his speech, Mashatile said the Government of National Unity (GNU) represents a direct response to people's desire for unity in tackling our nation's most pressing challenges.

He said the GNU is committed to implementing three strategic priorities including inclusive growth and creating jobs; reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living; and building a capable state that is ethical and developmental that will prioritise at all times the human rights of our people.

“The success of the GNU’s ambitious agenda depends on the active participation of each and every citizen. In the same spirit of participation, President Cyril Ramaphosa will later this year lead what we call the National Dialogue.”

The Dialogue will be inclusive and allow everyone to contribute to “what we need to do to build a country of our dreams”, including NGOs, all political parties in Parliament, civic organisations, foundations, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and business.

“Let us embrace our individual responsibility to shape our nation's future by exercising our democratic rights and working together to build a South Africa where social justice and human rights are not merely ideals, but are a lived reality for all of us. Let us continue to be champions of social justice and human rights.”

We must leave no one behind, he reiterated, adding that active participation is not just a right but a responsibility to uphold the ideals enshrined in our Constitution.

“On behalf of the president and the whole government, I wish all of you a happy and memorable Human Rights Day. May we continue to enjoy the day, but let us never forget those who sacrificed their lives to ensure that we enjoy this democracy.”

karen.singh@inl.co.za