During engagement session: Some of the students who attended the Human rights day raised questions regarding the government interventions at institutions that were recently affected by racial outbreaks. Human Rights Day (21 March) was officially declared a public holiday in 1994 following the inauguration of former late President Nelson Mandela. 

Human Rights Day is a national day, commemorated annually to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. This year’s theme is ‘SA United Against Racism’. CUT in conjunction with the Department of Arts and Culture held a public lecture on Human Rights, Race and Racism on 31 March 2016. Although the government held engagements with all organisations, the focus for this year was on Higher Education Institutions as they are considered the main role players in societies and beyond. In his address, the keynote speaker and General- Secretary of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), Mr Dennis George said that everyone has a right to human dignity, equality, freedom of movement, life as well as language and culture. Mr Dennis quoted Mr. Abram Louis Fischer, commonly known as Bram Fischer, a gallant fighter, a brave and pioneering anti-apartheid leader and a well-respected lawyer who fought tirelessly against racial issues. He said, “If in my fight I can encourage some people to understand and to abandon policies they so blindly follow I shall not regret any punishment I may incur.” 

Mr Dennis appealed to all to work together in fight against racism. “We are all equal in this country and the state has an obligation to protect, respect and fulfill those human rights, which are enshrined in the constitution. The issue of racism has nothing to do with the colour of your skin; it has everything to do with what is in your heart. Let us work together in fight against racism.” During the interactions, students raised questions regarding the government interventions at institutions that were recently affected by racial outbreaks to which Mr Nhlanhla Nkosi, Assistant Youth Leadership Programme Coordinator from Kathrada Foundation said, “every institution has different dynamics and some of them have allowed their campuses to become sanctuaries for racism for too long. Now that there is a new breed of student activism, the frustration is becoming too much and the resistance is much stronger as the activism is something new to them.” Mr Nkosi also mentioned that another reason for the outbreaks are related to issues of diversity, political consciousness, different levels of activism and different levels of engagement. “We need to create a space that is very uncomfortable for one to be a racist,” he concluded. 

1: Attendees of the public lecture.

2: Speakers of the day at Human Rights Public Lecture held at CUT on 31 March 2016. From left: Mr Nhlanhla Nkosi, Assistant Youth Leadership Programme Coordinator from Kathrada Foundation, Mr Dennis Georgekeynote speaker and General- Secretary of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) and Dr Abraham Serote.