The University of Pretoria (UP) brought together staff, students and friends of the University on Groenkloof campus, where future educators are trained, to commemorate Human Rights Day and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for democracy in South Africa.

The event, which was hosted by UP’s Faculty of Education, looked back on 30 years of democracy in South Africa and considered future possibilities.

The faculty’s Transformation Committee, led by Professor Siphiwe Mthiyane, Head of the Department of Education Management and Policy Studies, aligned the commemoration with the theme for Human Rights Day 2024 – ‘Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights’.

“Many lives were sacrificed during apartheid to achieve the freedom and human rights that we enjoy today, and which are enshrined in the Constitution,” Prof Mthiyane said, adding that Human Rights Day is associated with the Sharpeville massacre on 21 March 1960, when 69 people were shot and killed by the apartheid police, and about 180 were wounded.

“Keep in mind that unofficial sources put those figures higher than what was reported,” he said. “It is vital that we conscientise our students about where we come from so that, hopefully, they will know where they are going.”

“George Santayana, a Spanish-American philosopher and university educator, once said: ‘To know your future, you must know your past,’” said Prof Themba Mosia, UP Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “As we commemorate three decades of democracy in South Africa, I can say with confidence that this Human Rights Day serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles endured and the progress made towards achieving a more just society.

“This is a time for us to reflect on our past so that we can imagine and explore the opportunities that lie ahead. UP is committed to fostering an environment where human rights are upheld and respected, and we’ve chosen this day to not only commemorate our collective history, but to inspire us to continue striving for equality, dignity and justice for all South Africans.”

Human rights are the cornerstone of any democracy, Prof Mthiyane added.

“Chapter two of the Constitution lists rights such as equality, human dignity, freedom and security, freedom of expression, political rights, the right to education and freedom of religion,” he said. “Without these, we have no democracy. It is our role as universities to educate our students about this history and why it is important.”

Prof Mthiyane pointed out that this year’s theme – ‘Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights’ – is important, and encouraged attendees to ask the following questions: “Are our people experiencing the ‘respect’ referred to in the theme as they interact with various government departments daily? Yes, we have the Batho Pele [people first] policy, but how many government officials know and practise this policy? When our people visit government offices, do they experience value for money? If not, why? Do officials live, breathe and dream human rights as the face of the state at local levels?”

UP has cemented these rights through its policies and procedures, Prof Mthiyane continued.

“This gives meaning to each right,” he said. “For example, we have crafted policies that seek to protect our students and staff on and off campus. The education and research we conduct enhance the human rights culture we seek to develop among our students and their agency as they rejoin their communities.”

“As a young black woman living in South Africa, it is important to me that we celebrate Human Rights Day, because I believe it is a way for us to keep the spirit of ubuntu alive, especially now that we have the opportunity to look back on where we come from and to move forward in unity as a country,” said second-year student Zanele Shabangu, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Education.

Bachelor of Education first-years Lana Engelbrecht, Sarah Akhtar and Micheala Nel said observing Human Rights Day is important because it reminds them of the sacrifices of the generations before. “We think it’s important to celebrate Human Rights Day because it shows that you are conscientised as a South African: that you are acknowledging what has happened in the country and showing that we are making progress towards unity as a nation.”

“I hope that we can reflect on the history of this day; take a moment to consider how we can make today matter; and intentionally practise having a positive impact on the world around us by viewing every individual as worthy of respect, tolerance and kindness in all our interactions,” Prof Mosia said.