Human rights day celebration in eMalahleni highlights unity and hope

EMALAHLENI – The Clewer Joint Structure, in collaboration with local stakeholders, hosted an engaging Human Rights Day celebration at the Clewer Community Hall in eMalahleni on 21 March.

The event featured a variety of activities, including Ndebele traditional dance performances, a jumping castle for children, and performances by local artists. A motivational talk and engaging discussions were also held, aimed at inspiring the community.

Special guests included Bongani Maseko, popularly known as Slash from House of Zwide, and Innocent Masuku, famed for his role as Bongani in Yizo Yizo. Bongani Maseko spoke about the importance of safeguarding human rights, not just for ourselves but for future generations. “We must be responsible in protecting our rights for the benefit of those who come after us,” he said.

Innocent Masuku reflected on his challenging past, which has been widely documented. He shared his experiences of the lack of support from families and the negative influences of society, particularly the dangers of drugs. “We are here to offer hope to the youth, no matter where they come from,” he stated. “It’s important to acknowledge the lack of support and the external pressures we face, especially from society.”

Joseph Pitjeng, a member of the Ward Committee, also shared his thoughts, saying, “No one is an island; we depend on each other. Our rights must lead us to respect others. We must never undermine others. Today, we are reminded that, even though we fought for our rights, we did so responsibly.”

Anna Mtsweni, Ward 9 councillor, expressed her gratitude for the event and emphasised the significance of remembering the sacrifices made for freedom and equality. She said, “We must reflect on the struggles of our past, including the tragic events of 21 March 1960, when 69 people were killed during a peaceful protest in Sharpeville.”

The celebration also included the distribution of food parcels to underprivileged families, ensuring that the spirit of human rights extended beyond commemoration to address immediate needs.

Mtsweni concluded her remarks by thanking the stakeholders and community members who made the event possible. “The success of today’s celebration is thanks to the support of our partners and the entire community. Together, we are not only remembering our past but also working towards building a brighter future for all.”