Human Rights Day: The story behind the special public holiday

With Human Rights Day taking place this week, 21 March, it’s important to remember just WHY we celebrate this special public holiday…

Do you know why we celebrate Human Rights Day? Image: canva

Why South Africans celebrate Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day in South Africa, observed annually on 21 March, is a significant national holiday rooted in the country’s history of struggle against apartheid. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the intense fight for democracy and equality and highlights the importance of protecting human rights for all South Africans.

The Sharpeville Massacre

The origins of Human Rights Day date back to 21 March, 1960, when the apartheid government brutally repressed a peaceful protest in Sharpeville, Gauteng. Thousands of people gathered to protest against the discriminatory pass laws, which restricted the movement of black South Africans. In response, the police opened fire on the unarmed crowd, killing 69 people and injuring many others. This event, known as the Sharpeville Massacre, became a symbol of the apartheid regime’s brutality and sparked international condemnation.

The struggle for human rights

The massacre was a turning point in South Africa’s history, intensifying resistance against apartheid and drawing global attention to the country’s oppressive policies. It led to the banning of anti-apartheid organizations such as the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), forcing many activists into exile or underground resistance. Despite severe repression, the fight for human rights continued until the fall of apartheid in 1994, when South Africa transitioned to a democracy.

Human rights in a democratic South Africa

When South Africa became a democracy, the new government recognised 21 March as Human Rights Day to honour those who lost their lives in the fight for freedom. The day serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and the need to uphold the principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which guarantees fundamental privileges such as equality, freedom of expression, and human dignity.