UP honours student Mzingaye Hlabano writes about why youth in South Africa need to wake up to the significance of Human Rights Day.

‘Ungenaphi?’ is a Zulu word that has seen a resurgence over the past three years on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, where South Africans often leave snarky remarks and comments. Loosely translated, it means “why are you involving yourself?” and is asked when people interject in conversations that do not concern them. To the average GenZ-er, known as Ama2000s in South Africa, Human Rights Day is just another day to go drinking, clubbing and avoiding schoolwork. Most do not know why the day is important. 

Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March each year in South Africa. It commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre, which occurred on 21 March 1960, and recognises those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. The day is meant to highlight the efforts being made to promote and protect human rights in South Africa.

As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy this year, tensions are high. People do not know who to vote for in the upcoming elections, with instances of racism, xenophobia, classicism and corruption being the norm. People complain about how the government is not doing enough to help them. However, when millions of youth took to social media platforms begging people to vote, a staggering number of young people registered to vote. This is a step in the right direction, as it shows that active change could, dare I say, be on the way.

Youth are fed up and want to better their lives – that is why days like Human Rights Day are necessary. It means that even though jobs are scarce, municipalities do not have water and the entire country is suffering from load-shedding, those who came before us did not perish in vain.

To be human means to care. It becomes difficult to care for others, however, when you are trying to figure out where your next meal will come from. Poverty is the lot of many households in the country. Many end up taking jobs or doing things their communities shame them for. When your back is against the wall, you do what you can to survive. We all have human rights that we are entitled to, but in a country that is still experiencing the after-effects of apartheid, they become practically non-existent. 

In 2024, Human Rights Day has many layered meanings. I can understand why my fellow Ama2000s would rather go out and enjoy themselves. There is so much bad news in circulation, that it makes sense that people are trying to find healing through music, food and alcohol.  

At the very least, the age groups trying to make an effort for the betterment of the country are those predominantly born in the 1980s and 1990s. They are aware of just how detrimental it is when enough people do not vote, and a country suffers for five years. Many of us have become daydreamers and would rather not make an effort to interact with what is going on with the country. Understanding that you play a role in who represents you at municipal, provincial and national levels means acknowledging that you are lucky or sheltered enough to make a quick story post about it and call it a day. Every voice matters. 

Social media has altered what people think their lives are supposed to look like. This is partly due to the heavy influence of Europe and the United States. Everyone wants to be an influencer and/or a musical artist. No one wants to be a farmer, electrician, plumber or construction worker any longer. These jobs appear less desirable, especially to a generation for whom the youth unemployment rate is rising annually.

We observe the 21st March because of people who dared to be brave and stand up against injustice. From the mothers who wake up at 5 am to sell vetkoek on the side of the road, to the group of boys at traffic lights dancing with crates to earn money – you are seen, even when people choose to not engage. Freedom should not be limited to those who come from privileged upbringings. This is a day that marks what happened in 1960 and why it should never happen again, even though gender-based violence, racial discrimination against students in top South African universities and homophobic attacks are at an all-time high.  

To the Ama2000s, the next time you tweet, post or comment “Ungenaphi?”, remember that someone made sacrifices and spoke up for you so that you can enjoy your soft life. 

Happy Human Rights Day!