Premier Saul to lead Human Rights Day celebrations in Northern Cape

NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul will commemorate Human Rights Day on Friday at the Okiep Sports Grounds in the Namakwa District, while former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor and the founder of the Steve Biko Foundation, Nkosinathi Biko, will be guest speakers at a Human Rights Day dialogue at Sol Plaatje University.

Office of the Premier spokesperson Naledi Gaosekwe said Human Rights Month coincided with the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter and National Library Week.

“A number of programmes will be hosted in all five districts of the province this week to foster a culture of reading and encourage community members to sign up for membership at their local libraries,” Gaosekwe said.

She added that the tombstone of liberation fighter Grace Sebotowasone - the first woman in the Northern Cape to go into exile - would be unveiled as part of the activities.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Day dialogue will be held at the Sol Plaatje University’s library auditorium, Central Campus, on March 21 at 10am.

The director of institutional advancement in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Kashini Maistry, said Dr Pandor, who is the current chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, would offer insight into the evolving political and administrative landscape in South Africa.

 “Biko will offer a powerful reflection on the legacy of his father, Steve Biko, and the continuation of human rights advocacy,” she added.