SHARPEVILLE.- Once again, the country came to a standstill to commemorate Human Rights Day previously known as ‘Sharpeville Shooting’ yesterday, Thursday.
The who is who in politics, together with community members gathered at Sharpeville Cricket Grounds outside Goerge Thabe Stadium to commemorate the 64th Annual Anniversary of the event since 69 people were killed by the previous government when what was supposed to be a peaceful march ended in bloodshed.
The “gatvol” Sharpeville resident took to the streets to protest against anti-black laws and the carrying of identification known as ‘dompas’ on March 21, 1960.
This year’s Human Rights Day was even more interesting with political parties taking advantage of this historical event to campaign for the upcoming elections on May 29.
However, despite commemorating this day, some of the survivors still feel hard done by the government. In the previous commemorations, some of the survivors told Sedibeng Ster that nothing has changed to improve their lives for the past 64 years. They further told Sedibeng Ster that promises were made to them but nothing has changed.
Former SA President Nelson Mandela signed the country’s constitution at George Thabe Stadium in 1996 to acknowledge the significance of the ‘Sharpeville Shooting’.
