Deputy President Kgalema Mothlanthe said on Sunday Sharpeville is a shrine for the freedom celebrated in South Africa today.
He was speaking at the 50th commemorration of the massacre at the George Thabe Staduim held on Sunday afternoon.
Motlanthe said all South Africans need to honour the lives of those who died in the protest as the 21 March 1960 was a turning point in the struggle for liberation. He also advised while we enjoyed the freedoms today it comes with responsibility.
The deputy president said the communities need to consider the methods of how their concerns were raised. He said protestors half a century ago did not embark on violent demonstrations. The rights of citizens in the country was also highlighted, reiterating sentiments made by President Jacob Zuma that governments needs to work faster and smarter in providing basic services.
ZILLE SPEAKS ON FIGHTING SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille spoke to Parkwood residents in the south Peninsula on Sunday to highlight human rights day. She urged South Africans to keep fighting social ills.
She said South African citizens must use this human rights day to see what role they can play in tackling the country’s social setbacks.
She was on a walk-about in Parkwood, listening to the concerns of community members. Among the issues raised by residents was unemployment and gansterism.
Zille said while it is government’s responsibility to provide and protect its citizens, sa had an active role to play in the country’s problems.
(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)