Prof. Pamela Dube, CUT Vice-Chancellor & Principal.

The Central University of Technology, Free State and the Mangaung Metro Municipality played an important role this month in the nationwide Human Rights and Freedom Day commemoration. The two entities co-hosted a dialogue-themed 'Empowering Voices: Celebrating three decades of Human Rights Advocacy', underscoring their commitment to fostering a culture of human rights advocacy.

CUT Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, highlighted the importance of commemorating Human Rights & Freedom Day in the university. “It is important for advocacy and dialogues such as this one to continue to educate about or promote or defend our hard-fought freedoms. At the same time, we recognise and act with sensitivity and genuine commitment to the reality of the challenges of contemporary struggles. The CUT, therefore, views itself as playing a critical role and making institutional contributions and commitment to sustainable development and lasting impact on promoting human rights,” said Prof. Dube.  

Speaker of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State, Honourable Councillor Lawrence Mathae.

Speaker of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State, Honourable Councillor Lawrence Mathae, added that voters should ask themselves hard questions as they head to the voting poles.

“The voter turnout during elections is a manifestation of challenges that affect human rights and have a ripple effect on sustainable democracy. The country’s local government institutions are currently losing momentum in improving the quality of life of people, and the idea for a better life for all has reversed, said Councillor Mathae.

The question arises: Is the democratic process facing an existential crisis, and similarly, is the human rights process continually facing pushback because of modern-day political challenges?” he concluded.

Commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Mr. Mbuyiselo Botha. 

Commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Mr Mbuyiselo Botha, stated that it was important for people to vote because when they do not vote, they have no right to complain.

“When we say and argue that in the past 30 years, a lot has happened, we must also add that a lot has not happened which should have happened. And if it has not happened, what can we do to ensure that it will happen in the next five years?” said Mr Botha.