
ANC’s Ntombela calls for more to be done for on human rights
Country celebrates it's Human Rights Day under Covid-19 third wave threat
OWN REPORTER
As the country commemorates Human Rights Day, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal reminds residents of an anticipated third wave of covid-19 pandemic.
The party’s provincial spokesman, Nhlakanipho Ntombela said this year’s celebrations are engulfed by the Covid-19 pandemic that has exposed inequalities, deepening poverty, entrenched discrimination and other gaps in human rights protection.
“We want to reaffirm the importance of human rights even in the face of a pandemic,” he said.
“However, we appeal with our people to take a cautionary approach to flatten the pandemic’s curve. We are pleading with our people to adopt these norms until covid-19 subsides.
“Together we fought and eliminated apartheid and attained freedom, and together we can avoid an anticipated third wave and ultimately end this pandemic.
“We can fully recover and build back a world that is better for all, more resilient, just, and sustainable’’ added Ntombela.
In history of Mzansi, March 21, the Human Rights Day, is regarded as one of those special days that will forever remind residents of the remarkable progress the country has made in building a better country for everyone.
On this day, South Africans commemorate their fallen heroes who were brutally killed by police while peacefully marching against the injustices of apartheid system.
On March 21, 1960, the community of Sharpeville and surrounding townships, embarked on a peaceful march to protest against pass laws.
The apartheid police shot and killed 69 of the protesters at Sharpeville, while they were trying to escape from the scene.
The police killed many people who were in the forefront fighting the apartheid regime. The tragedy exposed the apartheid government’s violation of human rights to the world, and came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre.
“The commemoration is a reminder of the sacrifices and commitment of the ANC in struggle for the attainment of freedom in South Africa. It also provides the country with an opportunity to reflect on progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights,” Ntombela said.