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Since 1994, Human Rights Day has stood as a milestone on South Africa’s public holiday calendar.
The Congresss of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) says Human Rights Day celebration must not be used by politicians to make empty promises.
CONTRALESA President, Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena, says the day is a reminder of the brutality South Africans experienced through the apartheid regime, where innocent and unarmed people were shot and killed.
Parliament joins all South Africans in commemorating Human Rights Day 🇿🇦, a moment to reflect on our shared values of dignity, equality, and freedom.#HumanRightsDay #7thParliament pic.twitter.com/dK6S6PE1yl
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) March 21, 2026
“CONTRALESA would have preferred a situation where this day is celebrated whilst our people have access to clean water, have uninterrupted electricity and also have permanent jobs. This day must not be used by politicians to make empty promises. We calls upon government to make sure that all the affected families get repatriations. By so doing this will be a real celebration of our human rights day,” says Mokoena.
