Human rights have protected our society from chaos for decades. They have given individuals the opportunity to live morally without fear as they are shielded by South Africa’s law. However, with rights come responsibilities, which are our duty to respect and fulfil. This allows for a much more harmonious standard of living.
Human Rights Day exists in South Africa to celebrate and honour the importance of having these rights, and the struggle and sacrifice our nation has went through to attain these rights and democracy in our country. On this day, we remember the ‘Sharpville Massacre’.
We have now been a democracy for over 27 years in South Africa, which ironically is the same amount of years that our first black president, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned. He was imprisoned because of his fight for these fundamental rights and our freedom. We need to commemorate this day to show our respect for our human rights and remember all the individuals who fought for it.
The ‘interim Constitution’ of the Republic of South Africa (1993)[1] had paved the way for our democracy. The ‘interim Constitution’ was replaced by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996)[2] which refined and developed many of the rights and principles that we enjoy today. These rights are enshrined in Chapter 2 of our Constitution (‘Bill of Rights’)[3]. One of the fundamental rights that is important to mention is section 29(1) of the Constitution[4] of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides that everyone has the right to a basic education, which the state must make progressively available and accessible through reasonable measures. Education is the key to a child’s future and a better standard of living. Knowledge is power and the ultimate weapon that no one can take away from you. Education allows for individuals to develop their thinking and reading skills which is an important ability to have in the world we live in. This power of knowledge through education can be used to change the world for the better, and we should do all that we can to develop and nurture it. This right allows parents to send their child to school and not deprive them of education. It is the teacher’s responsibility to use their abilities to educate our youth for future
[1] Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 200 of 1993. (‘interim Constitution’).
[2] Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
[3] Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Chapter 2. (‘Bill of Rights’).
[4] Section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
