Does anybody care about Human Rights Day anymore?
You know, the day on 21 March 1960, when 69 anti-pass law protesters were gunned down outside a police station in Sharpeville.
Too long ago? Not close enough to home for you?
Well, you don’t have to commemorate these lives lost in the struggle for freedom.
Because Human Rights Day is not only about them, it’s about you.
It’s a day to remember that you, as a South African, have rights.
It’s a day to teach your children that they must stand up for their rights.
That no one deserves to be stepped on or taken for a gat.
The Bill of Rights says you have the right to (among other things): life; dignity; equality; privacy; religion, belief and opinion; freedom of expression; housing; healthcare; food and water; basic education; and legal representation.
And you are within your rights to protest and fight for these rights to be upheld.
Human Rights Day is as relevant today as it was 68 years ago.
Just ask Zainoedien Allie, who was involved in a brutal incident with traffic officers in Mountview earlier this week.
In a scene out of a wrestling match, 51-year-old man was tackled and body-slammed to the ground by four City officials.
It is unclear what sparked the violent incident, Allie was apparently busted for resisting arrest - but the case was dropped in court the following day.
Mr Allie, know your rights. Don’t let this go.
Then there was the story of Na-eve Waggie, who was accused by V&A Waterfront security of being a beggar.
The Netreg man, who works on fishing boats at the docks, was summarily escorted off the property and dropped off - at the SARS offices in town.
For his troubles, he also lost a day’s wages.
Mr Waggie, it sounds like your freedom of movement and trade may have been violated. Take them on.
Then there are people who abuse their rights - to the point where it infringes on others’ rights.
Like the case of a Lotus FM radio presenter who allegedly made Islamophobic comments on social media.
Pauline Sangham claims her Facebook account was hacked by someone who posted: “Islam is a false religion, based on a false book written by a false prophet...”
You see, while Pauline, or whoever the writer was, exercised their freedom of expression, they were effectively stepping on others’ right to dignity.
The matter has since been referred to the Human Rights Commission
Have your human rights been violated by your fellow citizens, the police, the government, your employer, or the shops?
Here’s who you can go to for help:
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC);
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID);
Public Protector;
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
Commission on Gender Equality;
Office of the Consumer Protector.
Or contact the Daily Voice.