In 1960 a group of 10 000 people peacefully marched and protested against the pass system. This system was used to control people of colour, it was made a legal requirement which prohibited black people from freely accessing certain suburban areas throughout the city.
Interesting Facts
- Since the 1950s The South African government implemented measures to restrict the flow of black people in cities, the pass system was in full force.
- In South Africa, Human Rights Day commemorates the victims who were slain in Sharpeville, amidst anti-pass law protests.
- Since 1994 this day has been celebrated and commemorated as a public holiday.
- A staggering number of 180 people were injured, including 31 women and 19 children, the majority of these people were shot in the back as they attempted to flee the shooting.
- The 21st of March is internationally recognised as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Activities
The public holiday serves to remind us of the struggle and lives that were lost so we could be equally treated and united as a nation.
Here at Vibescout we feel strongly rooted to the past and feel for those who suffered during this painful time, so we have compiled this list of things to do, to respectfully commemorate Human Rights Day.
Visit a Memorial Site
There are three recognised memorial sites of the Sharpeville Massacre. These sites are, the memorial garden, the police station where the masses gathered and the graves of those who were killed which can be found in the Phelindaba Cemetery.
The sites are all located in Vereeniging. A good idea on this day is to reach out to your friends and family and listen to stories from those who have first hand experience of the hardships that led up to the massacre.
Visit the memorial sites, place flowers on the graves of those who perished so we could walk this land freely.
Be respectful of others and the grounds of the memorial sites if you do pack a light lunch be sure to remove all your litter before you leave.
- Address: 3847 Seeiso St, Vereeniging, Gauteng
Watch a Documentary with Friends & Discuss this Inequality our People have Faced
If you are not in the Gauteng area and visiting a memorial site is not an option, invite some friends over and take in the experiences through the magic of cinematography.
We have collected some documentaries that properly portrays the devastation of the Sharpeville Massacre. Gain better insight as to just how tough the struggle for a free South Africa was.
Events
This day really is about sharing stories and remembering how our ancestors fought for our freedom. Below we have highlighted a few events which rightfully honour the spirit of Human Rights Day.
Cape Town
Aside from all the events commemorating this day, squeeze a trip into a local Museum in Cape Town and view the conditions in which people of colour were forced to live in South Africa.
Human Rights to Party
Acoustic blitzind. with a few added supersizerz to make for a tranquil eve. R50 entrance . Come and join us for a great evening!
- Operating Hours: 20 March, 7pm- 10pm
- Address: Hangklip Hotel History(ies), 7196 Pringle Bay
- Full Event info: Human Rights to Party
Warehouse Book Sale Cape Town
Over 4000m2 of warehouse, filled with books at the BEST prices! One day only this time, so don't miss out!
Paperbacks - R60 Trade Paperbacks - R80 Hardcovers - R100
Save big! See you there!
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 9am-5pm
- Address: 10 Mymona Cres, Athlone
- Full Event info: Warehouse Book Sale Cape Town
Kaapse Stories: A unique Cape Town dining experience
A unique dining experience that will transport you to a world of dazzling entertainment, featuring ‘world-class’ local performers. Through the adventures of the Kleintjies family, local and international guests will be enthralled with the vibrant world of District Six.
To add to the overall experience, enjoy a resplendent, 4-course offering of the best culinary experiences that traditional Cape cuisine has to offer.
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 7pm - 9:45pm
- Address: The Rockwell Dinner Theatre, 32 Prestwich St, Green Point
- Full Event info: Kaapse Stories
Ashanti Tribe: Bait For Steps Forward
Original music by Nobuhle Ashanti featuring Keitumetsi 'Tumi' Pheko on trumpet, Steven Sokuyeka on trombone, Sean Sanby on bass, Tefo Mahola on drums and Aliyah Cloete on vocal. Very new music being played from her Bait For Steps Forward project/concept.
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 7pm-11pm
- Address: The Alma Cafe, Cape Town
- Full Event info: Ashanti Tribe: Bait For Steps Forward
Nick Holy & Not Pop Gang
IT'S SHOWTIME - Nick Holy and NOT POP GANG are hosting a hip-hop/techno party at Raptor Room. Come and celebrate YOUR Human Rights Day with great food, a sneaky drink or two, live performances from myself, and some bangin' beats from the NOT POP GANG boys. We've got a few surprises planned, so you don't want to miss it ;)
- Tickets are R70 - Music starts at 8pm - Hip hop / techno vibes, smiles all around :)
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 7pm-11pm
- Address: The Raptor Room, Cape Town
- Full Event info: Nick Holy & Not Pop Gang
Durban
Aside from all the events commemorating this day, squeeze a trip into a local Museums in Durban and view the conditions in which people of colour were forced to live in South Africa.
Inner City Walking Tour
Durban’s known for its beach but the city has a fascinating history too – and if you come on one of our tours you’ll definitely see a side of it you won’t find in the guidebooks.
R420 per person, including lunch.
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 10:30am - 11:30am
- Address: 55 Monty Naicker, Durban
- Full Event Info: Inner City Walking Tour
In Blood Musical
Written and directed by Bukelwa Cakata, In Blood Musical is a unique, uplifting musical production. Conceptualised by Ndileka Santi, African Sinakho Arts through the musical presents a showcase of artists with different kinds of disabilities sharing the limelight with their able bodied counterparts in a breathtaking performance... a must see!
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 2pm - 5pm
- Address: 231 Anton Lembede St, Durban
- Full Event Info: In Blood
One New Man 2019
Join us for our #OneNewMan event on Human Rights Day. We will be tackling the topic: "Is Racial Reconciliation Possible in South Africa?"
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 9am - 12pm
- Address: Every Nation Durban, Umgeni Rd, Greyville, Durban
- Full Event Info: One New Man 2019
Johannesburg
Aside from all the events commemorating this day, squeeze a trip into a local Museums in Jozi and view the conditions in which people of colour were forced to live in South Africa.
BREE TAXI RANK CLEAN-UP
Voice It In Action - The Wash House Program will be having the of the Bree Taxi Rank Clean-Up Activation;
An initiative to implement sustainable solutions for a safer and cleaner Bree Taxi Rank, also hoping for more volunteers and resources from those who can contribute (individuals, organisations etc…) this time around.
- Operating Hours: 9am to 3pm
- Address: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Full Event info: Bree Taxi Rank Clean-up
A Black Aesthetic: A view of SA Artists 1970-1990
"A Black Aesthetic" - the largest exhibition of Black South African Modernists since the dawn of democracy.
Walkabouts run for an hour and start at the gallery at 11am. You can also come to the gallery and tour on your own, during the opening times given below.
- Operating Hours: 9am to 4pm
- Address: Corner Simmonds and Frederick St, Johannesburg
- Full Event info: A Black Aesthetic
Narow-Bi:All Things Art
Explanation kills art. Come through and watch the finest performances from upcoming acts while you explore the venue full of art Exhibitors and mingle.
There'll be affordable food sold done by young chefs
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 11am - 10pm
- Address: Urbanbackpackers, 100 Anderson Str corner von Brandis, Johannesburg
- Full Event Info: Narow-Bi:All Things Art
Pretoria
Aside from all the events commemorating this day, squeeze a trip into a local Museums in Durban and view the conditions in which people of colour were forced to live in South Africa.
Right 2 Run
Join us at #SunnyparkShoppingCentre on Thursday, 21 March as we host our 18th annual Right 2 Run Race with the #ArcadiaRunningClub 💪
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 7am - 7pm
- Address: Sunnypark Shopping Centre, Cnr Steve Biko Str & Robert Sobukwe Str, Sunnyside
- Full Event Info: Sunnypark Shopping Centre
Human Rights Day Consciousness Café - Tshwane
This year marks the 25th anniversary of democracy in South Africa - and the 5th year that Consciousness Café has been hosting difficult and confronting conversations about a country in transformation.
To mark this milestone, ZDF, the German TV channel, would like to film and broadcast a Consciousness Café.
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 11am - 23 March, 3pm
- Address: Botaki Ba Africa, Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria
- Full Event Info: Human Rights Day Consciousness Café
Voortrekker Monument Antique Market
Pretoria is full of curious art and antique markets, where you're sure to find something irreplaceable to take home whatever your budget. From the stalls and galleries of Voortrekker Monument Antique Market to the small, specialist Antique stalls, there are plenty of places for antique seekers to explore.
You will be able to find everything from trinkets to charms and collectables, to old furniture and art, at Pretoria’s bustling Voortrekker Monument antique markets.
The Monument Antique market will be held on the 21 March 2019 at the Amfi hall Voortrekker Monument, entrances open at 8:00, R30 per vehicle will be charged on entrance
- Operating Hours: 21 March, 8am - 3pm
- Address: Voortrekker Monument, Voortrekker Rd, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa
- Full Event Info: Voortrekker Monument Antique Market
Whatever you and your family choose to do this Human Rights Day find some time to think and talk about what exactly happened all those many years ago. South African culture is so dense with history and struggle it’s our duty to pass these stories onto the younger generations.
Our vision behind Vibescout is to provide the most relevant, up-to-date and comprehensive information.
If you feel we've missed something amazing or have any suggestions regarding our system, we would love to hear from you! Contact: info (at) vibescout.com