BY OBAKENG MAJE
Pampierstad- Northern Cape MEC for Co-operative, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs(Coghsta), Alvin Botes led the province in commemorating Human Rights Day in Pampierstad.

The commemoration was held at Kgomotso High School, in Pampierstad and being attended by Phokwane Municipal Mayor, Robert Tsikwe, Executive Mayor for Francis Baardman, Kgadi Moloi and other delegates.

Botes took the youth through memory lane by touching on the history of Human Rights Day and told the youth of today to learn more about the history of the fallen heroes.

“The youth of today need to know more about history. By them knowing that, they will know their identity and where they’re going. It is very important to realize that the fight is now different as we fighting economical freedom” Botes said.

He also advised the youth to go to school as education is the gateway vehicle from poverty.

The Phokwane municipality mayor, Robert Tsikwe said this mark the historic day in Phokwane municipality’s calendar.

He said country’s greatest achievements is the adoption of the Constitution which guarantees human rights that had never been a guarantee for the majority of South Africans.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that these rights are not just a theory, but every human being can actually see and experience these rights for themselves,” said Tsikwe said.

The MEC also handed over smart card Identity Documents to seven elders from Jan Kempdorp.

Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) proposed an anti-Pass campaign to begin on 21 March 1960. Black men were to gather at Sharpeville without their reference books and present themselves for arrest. The order was given to disperse, after which the Police opened fire with sharp-point ammunition on the crowd of men, women and children.

Following the Sharpeville massacre, a number of black political movements were banned by the Nationalist government, and the resistance movement went underground.

Evelyn Mxobethu(63) who received her smartcard for the first time said she really appreciate what the government does especially to elders.
-TDN
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