Human Rights Day: What celebs think

For most, it’s just a day off work. But Human Rights day has a helluva lot of meaning. We spoke to celebs to find out what the day means to them…

 Gareth Cliff, 5FM DJ

Human Rights Day is an opportunity for us to take stock of how far we've come as a nation in respect of Human Rights. As a day marking historical events to that effect, we must continue to strive for people in our country and on our continent to insist upon their equality, dignity and individuality against discrimination and bigotry. 

 George Manyosi, Kaya FM DJ

It’s a very big and sentimental day for me because my dad, who was a reporter for Drum Magazine at the time, was there in Sharpeville covering the event. He hid inside a dustbin and started taking pictures. Instead of celebrating, every year on this day I take some time for myself. I like to be alone and think about my dad, as well as everything else that happened on that day. What I think Human Rights Day is about is looking at how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. It’s about counting our blessings and thinking about the sacrifices that were made for us. It’s about remembering that nobody that day died in vain.

 Simba Mhere, Top Billing presenter

It’s a special day in South Africa. It’s a day where many people fought for the good of the country. We as South Africans need to remember our history. Many people will see it as an opportunity to go shopping, for example, but they need to realise the importance behind the day. It’s sad that a lot of our youth don’t know what days like this are about, and it’s important that us as elders show the youngsters what it’s all about. 

 Shashi Naidoo, model

For me, Human Rights Day is an important day for our nation, as we get to celebrate our liberties and individualism. It’s a celebration of being part of the human race without any prejudice.  Further, it is a vital moment for us to reflect on the past, so we do not repeat previous injustices and stand for those who can’t speak out.

 Lee-Anne Summers, actress

Human Rights Day is a reminder to us that all human beings should be born free and equal in dignity and rights. It is a chance for us to acknowledge those the world over who are still being persecuted, sold into slavery, told that they cannot love whom they choose and to give them a voice. It is something that we should not only be fighting for on one day of the year but each and every day that we awake as free and equal citizens of our nation.