By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 March 2025- The North West Premier, Dr Zamani Saul will lead the commemoration of Human Rights Day in Okiep, in the Namakwa District on 21 March 2025. Saul spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe said Human Rights Day is commemorated under the theme: “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,” which emphasises the continuous need for transformative action to ensure that human rights are not only recognised but fully realised for every individual, everywhere.
Gaosekwe further said Human Rights Month continues to remember and honour those who enabled them to achieve freedom and democracy. She added that this includes the courageous men and women who marched in Sharpeville and Langa on 21 March 1960, for the total abolition of
pass laws.
“The Sharpeville Massacre and Langa March exposed the brutality of apartheid for the whole world to see and united our people’s unyielding resolve for freedom. This year’s commemoration of Human Rights Month coincides with the 70th
anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter. The Freedom Charter proclaims that, “South Africa belongs to all who live in it” and that “all shall be equal before the law”.
“It is the foundation on which our world acclaimed Constitution was drafted. As we commemorate Human Rights Month, it is important to note that Library Week is also celebrated annually from the 17 – 23 March in South Africa. An array of
programs to foster a culture of reading and encourage community members to sign up for membership at their local libraries has been planned for this week,” said Gaosekwe.
She said these programs will be held in all 5 Districts of the Northern Cape at the various community libraries and will be linked to the important role libraries play as an integral and often
underappreciated role in promoting social justice and safeguarding human rights. Gaosekwe said this year, as part of commemorating Human Rights Month, the Northern Cape Provincial Government will also honour Grace Seboto through the
unveiling of a tombstone on 20 March 2025, in Paballelo.
“Grace Seboto was one the first women of the Northern Cape, who went into exile, where she was subjected to vigorous training in order to be part of a detachment to fight for the freedom and liberation of South Africa. The very Freedom we are enjoying today,” she said.
The Guardian 