Learners from St Stithians College hosted a demonstration outside their school to commemorate Human Rights Day and to celebrate the lives of those who died during the Sharpeville massacre.
Around 70 grade 11 and 12 learners participated in the demonstration. The Grade 12s, who are part of the Girls’ College Transformation Committee, suggested the demonstration in order to break down barriers and start having critical conversations with the student body.
“Human Rights Day struck the committee as an important springboard for conversations about rights, legacy and social justice. The Girls’ College Grade 12 history classes also joined in the planning in order to ensure that the origins and meaning of Human Rights Day were communicated. The ideas, planning and promotion all came from the students, with the guidance and support of their teachers,” said Leanne Horwitz, head of the history department.
Horwitz added, “They were excited to be doing something important – both honouring the legacy of those who fought for freedom in South Africa, and placing focus on the strides that still need to be made in ensuring human rights for all. A particularly moving moment was the singing of the national anthem at the end of the demonstration.”
Kathryn Tyndale-Biscoe, one of the learners who participated in the demonstration said, “So many people enjoy a public holiday, but they don’t know why, and we think it is important for us all to know.”
Another learner, Tshepang Letsie said that it was important to remember Sharpeville and emphasise the importance of Human Rights Day as many human rights continue to be violated.
The students held a banner reading “We live their legacy” in order to commit themselves to upholding and valuing human rights and to pay tribute to those who have struggled for human rights in South Africa and the world. They see themselves as part of the continuation of this legacy.
Horwitz added that the learners created a display of shoes, interspersed with information placards about the Sharpeville Massacre, Human rights and the South African Constitution. The shoes that were collected are going to a community in need situated in Phagameng, which St Stithians has had a longstanding relationship and partnership with.
Details: St Stithians College 011 577 6000.
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