PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has ignored complaints by residents of Sharpeville who have protested against his decision to celebrate Human Rights Day in Soweto.
Speaking at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, where the main government event for the day was held, Zuma paid tribute to the ANC's contribution to the liberation struggle.
He did not utter a word about the role played by the Pan Africanist Congress, which led the Sharpeville march on March 21 1960, where 69 people were killed by the police.
Addressing scores of people, he lauded the signing of the Freedom Charter - an ANC document - in Kliptown in 1955. Zuma also praised the ANC for developing its 1943 Bill of Rights ahead of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"South Africa, in particular the ANC as the oldest liberation movement, led the world," Zuma said.
Yesterday was the first time that Human Rights Day was commemorated outside Sharpeville, where apartheid forces came down hard on those who protested against the notorious pass laws.
Without mentioning the role played by the PAC, Zuma said those who participated in the protest were fighting for their rights "to work and live in the urban areas".
For the past two days, Sharpeville residents went on the rampage after they learnt that the official commemoration of the day would be held in Soweto.
An emotional Sharpeville massacre survivor, Samuel Tshabalala, said the government's decision was reminiscent of the protests that occurred 52 years ago.
"The government made a blunder by taking this event to Kliptown," he said.
"The graves of our heroes and heroines are not in Soweto but here in Phelindaba Cemetery. They must commemorate alone, we are doing our own event here."
Members of the PAC and Azapo commemorated the event at Sharpeville Community Hall, while ANC members gathered under an old shelter a few metres from the hall. PAC leader Mbuyiswa Gantsu said they were disappointed by the ANC and the government's decision.
"We feel bad to commemorate this Sharpeville, Langa Day while there are protests in Evaton, Sharpeville and Rathanda," he said.
The executive mayor of Sedibeng Simon Mofokeng assured people that he would not go to Kliptown but would commemorate with them in Sharpeville.
Human rights snub
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has ignored complaints by residents of Sharpeville who have protested against his decision to celebrate Human Rights Day in Soweto.
Speaking at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, where the main government event for the day was held, Zuma paid tribute to the ANC's contribution to the liberation struggle.
He did not utter a word about the role played by the Pan Africanist Congress, which led the Sharpeville march on March 21 1960, where 69 people were killed by the police.
Addressing scores of people, he lauded the signing of the Freedom Charter - an ANC document - in Kliptown in 1955. Zuma also praised the ANC for developing its 1943 Bill of Rights ahead of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"South Africa, in particular the ANC as the oldest liberation movement, led the world," Zuma said.
Yesterday was the first time that Human Rights Day was commemorated outside Sharpeville, where apartheid forces came down hard on those who protested against the notorious pass laws.
Without mentioning the role played by the PAC, Zuma said those who participated in the protest were fighting for their rights "to work and live in the urban areas".
For the past two days, Sharpeville residents went on the rampage after they learnt that the official commemoration of the day would be held in Soweto.
An emotional Sharpeville massacre survivor, Samuel Tshabalala, said the government's decision was reminiscent of the protests that occurred 52 years ago.
"The government made a blunder by taking this event to Kliptown," he said.
"The graves of our heroes and heroines are not in Soweto but here in Phelindaba Cemetery. They must commemorate alone, we are doing our own event here."
Members of the PAC and Azapo commemorated the event at Sharpeville Community Hall, while ANC members gathered under an old shelter a few metres from the hall. PAC leader Mbuyiswa Gantsu said they were disappointed by the ANC and the government's decision.
"We feel bad to commemorate this Sharpeville, Langa Day while there are protests in Evaton, Sharpeville and Rathanda," he said.
The executive mayor of Sedibeng Simon Mofokeng assured people that he would not go to Kliptown but would commemorate with them in Sharpeville.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos