Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

The Mpumalanga government will tomorrow use the Human Rights Day celebrations to encourage people to respect human rights.

Government spokesperson Sammy Mpatlanyane said the province will, as part of celebrating human rights, premiere the much talked about musicalLion of the East, which is based on the 1958 potato boycott.

The boycott was led by Gert Sibande and it highlighted how workers were denied basic human rights and exploited by farmers.

"There are still farm workers who are denied basic human rights and the government is working to ensure that those who violate the rights of the vulnerable are brought to book and dealt with harshly," he said.

The event will be held at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, under the theme: "Celebrating 15 years of Freedom and Human Rights."

Mpatlanyane said the government would also encourage citizens to respect human rights.

"The 1960 generation which took to the streets in Sharpeville and other areas in Johannesburg to protest against the pass laws will also be commemorated," said Mpatlanyane.

During the protest on March 21 1960, 69 people were killed by the police and scores injured.

Premier Thabang Makwetla will deliver the keynote address and will highlight achievements in promoting human rights in the past 15 years.

There will also be exhibitions highlighting human rights and how to access public services.

Musicians, including Rhythmic Elements, DJ Cleo, Diphepheng, Elijah Kabini, Cisko T and the Maphotla Youth Choir will entertain the crowd.