DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile emphasised that Human Rights Day is not merely a time to reflect on the past but a call to action for all South Africans.

Delivering his keynote address at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega - formerly Uitenhage - in the Eastern Cape, Mashatile aligned this year’s theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights”, with the urgent need to entrench justice and equality across the nation.

Recalling the 1985 Langa Massacre, in which 20 people died protesting against apartheid in Kariega, he highlighted the courage and challenges faced by many South Africans in the fight for freedom. He also referenced the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where apartheid police killed 69 peaceful protesters opposing pass laws.

“Both events serve as reminders of the Struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa,” Mashatile said.

He added that these tragic events illustrate the immense human cost of oppression and compel all citizens to renew their commitment to building a society where such injustices are never repeated.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Day this year, we are reminded that the legacy of our Struggle is not one of remembrance alone, but one of action.”

Mashatile said the theme is not just a slogan but a pledge to ensure justice and equitable outcomes for marginalised communities, requiring commitment from all sectors of society.

“It calls on us to deepen our efforts in building a culture that respects and upholds human rights. This requires us to recognise the inherent value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.”

This year also marks 30 years since the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which he described as a crucial step in addressing past injustices, providing reparations for victims, and fostering national healing.

“While progress has been made in certain cases, significant work remains to be done to fully implement direct TRC recommendations, particularly in addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all victims receive appropriate redress.”

He noted a commitment made to him during the Human Rights Day programme by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi that the many unresolved TRC matters would be urgently addressed.

Mashatile also spoke about the Government of National Unity (GNU), describing it as a direct response to South Africans’ desire for unity in addressing the country’s most pressing challenges.

He said the GNU was committed to three strategic priorities: fostering inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state that prioritises the human rights of all citizens.

“The success of the GNU’s ambitious agenda depends on the active participation of each and every citizen. In the same spirit of participation, President Cyril Ramaphosa will later this year lead what we call the National Dialogue.”

The National Dialogue will be inclusive, with participation invited from NGOs, political parties, civic organisations, foundations, traditional and religious leaders, and business stakeholders — to collectively shape “the country of our dreams”.

“Let us embrace our individual responsibility to shape our nation's future by exercising our democratic rights and working together to build a South Africa where social justice and human rights are not merely ideals, but are a lived reality for all of us. Let us continue to be champions of social justice and human rights.”

“We must leave no one behind”, he reiterated, adding that active participation is not just a right but a responsibility to uphold the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

“On behalf of the president and the whole government, I wish all of you a happy and memorable Human Rights Day. May we continue to enjoy the day, but let us never forget those who sacrificed their lives to ensure that we enjoy this democracy.”

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Let remembrance inspire action, says Mashatile on Human Rights Day