In the wake of widespread violence, resulting in looting and wanton destruction, the words of Nelson Mandela resonate deeply at this moment: “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.” All people within South Africa should consider that we are all called upon to at this dark moment to show leadership wherever we find ourselves.

As we commemorate Mandela day this year we have to assess our own responsibility for what has gone terribly wrong. As the Commission we shall be re-looking at our priorities and shall be engaged in self-reflection. While we have in the midst of the violence and general anarchy, engaged continuously with various stakeholders including leaders of political parties and religious bodies, we shall continue to hold engagements with a broad sector in society.

It is up to everyone within South Africa to display leadership and emulate Madiba in endeavouring to stop the culture of violence and anarchy and to begin to heal our collective pain. The violence, loss of life and livelihoods we witnessed this week has exposed the fault lines of poverty and deprivation on the one hand and blatant greed and depravity on the other.  It may also have led to what appears to be racial tensions and retaliations with fake news seemingly exacerbating these tensions.

The Commission condemns the lawlessness and violence that has resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods and urges adult persons to set an example for the young in our midst so that our failures today are not inflicted on our country tomorrow.
Similarly the SAHRC re-iterates its commitment in addressing fault lines associated with poverty and inequality, in all that we do whilst endeavouring to strengthen social cohesion.

The Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Mr. Mandela's birthday, the 18th July. The day pays tribute to Mr. Mandela’s commitment to the service of others. The day’s commemoration, was historically marked by encouraging ordinary people to set aside 67 minutes of their time, on this day, in service of others as a tribute to the 67 years Nelson Mandela gave in fighting for social justice.  

Now, more than ever, it is clear that 67 minutes once a year is not enough to change the world positively. In line with the realisation that all sectors of society including the State, civil society, business, faith based communities and ordinary members of society have a responsibility to positively influence the world, thus improving the lives of all, the theme for the 2021 Mandela Day is, “The essence of Mandela Day – take action, inspire change, and make every day a Mandela Day – is more important than ever before.”

For the SAHRC - the execution of its constitutional mandate to protect, promote, monitor and assess the observance of human rights – is a daily responsibility. So too are the rights within Chapter Two of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, applicable and realisable at all times.

Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.