Limpopo commemorates Human Rights Day
Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba led provincial Members of Executive Council to commemorate Human Rights Day at Makonde Stadium, Thulamela Municipality, on Friday 21 March 2025.
The 65th anniversary of the Human Rights Day was commemorated under the theme: “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human rights.”
Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked with 21 March 1960, and the events of Sharpeville massacre which saw 69 people being brutally killed and 180 were left wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protesting the Pass laws. This day marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights and as a result, it became an iconic date in South Africa’s history that today we commemorate Human Rights Day as a reminder of our rights and the cost paid for our treasured human rights.
Limpopo Province also saw it befitting to honor the brave men and women who fought for freedom, particularly the martyrs of Sharpeville 1960, whose sacrifices paved way to a democratic South Africa.
Premier Dr. Ramathuba said the massacre of 69 people, with many more injured, remains a dark stain on our history as It serve as a painful reminder of the human cost of oppression and the importance of protecting the rights we now enjoy.
She lamented the fact that even today we continue to witness acts of racial violence that seek to undermine the dignity of our people.
“Just six months ago, right here in our province, we were horrified by the killing of two black farmworkers whose bodies were thrown into a pigsty.
Such despicable acts of racism have no place in our society. We must be vigilant and resolute in condemning all forms of discrimination and injustice, ensuring that our province remains a place where every person, regardless of race or background, is treated with respect and dignity.” Dr. Ramathuba bemoaned
Despite the democratic gains, society continues to face significant human rights challenges as violence against women and children remains a national crisis, placing South Africa among the countries with the highest rates of femicide.
Dr. Ramathuba has always been vocal that Gender-based violence is an urgent human rights issue that impacts the lives of women and girls across all communities which undermines their social, economic, and political participation.
She said these must be eradicated to ensure equality.
“We must ensure that women and girls are safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. These challenges require collective action. As a government, we are committed to working with civil society, business, and all stakeholders to address these pressing human rights issues.” Dr. Ramathuba said
Premier Dr. Ramathuba also vowed that as part of the Human Rights Day commemorations, the Limpopo Provincial Government 7th Administration will work tirelessly to ensure that residents have access to basic services such as water and employment opportunities.
To address this, the 7th Administration have established a War Room on Water to fast-track interventions and ensure that no community is left behind and the Premier believes water is a basic human right, and government will not rest until the water issues are resolved.
Government have recently approved the Limpopo Development Plan (LDP), which serves as a guiding framework to build an ethical and developmental state, reduce poverty, and create sustainable employment opportunities.