Human Rights Day | Young people urged to change their mindset

March 21, 2024 249

Young people must learn to be self-reliant, and not sit at home waiting for someone to give them a handout or an opportunity.

These are the words of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) as the country marks Human Rights Day.

The PAC’s Jaki Seroke is urging young people to cement themselves and play a pivotal role in the 4th industrial revolution.

Speaking to YNews, Seroke urged the youth to liberate themselves from the chains of thinking that only white people can offer them jobs.

Reflecting on leaders of the past who fought for the country’s liberation, the PAC believes they would be disappointed with the current state of affairs.

Despite progress made so far, the PAC says there is still much to be done to correct past injustices.

Seroke says the high level of corruption plaguing the country would tag at the heartstrings of the men and women who laid down their lives for a free and equal society.

The PAC has also reiterated its call for this day to be recognised as Sharpville Day.

Seroke, who is a renowned poet and publisher, also reminisced on the killing of 69 protesters, some as young as 12 years old, 64 years ago on this day – during a protest against pass laws.

He says the peaceful demonstration, which was led by PAC founder Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, forced the world to see what an abomination the apartheid regime was.

In the following clip, the poet and publisher gives a brief history of how the name used to commemorate the massacre came about.

Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director, Shenilla Mohamed, has also urged Yires to remember the hard-fought freedoms of the past.

She says it’s important for young people to actively engage in protecting and promoting human rights for all.

Highlighting the vital role young people play in holding leaders accountable and combating the normalisation of corruption, Mohamed called on the youth to vote for leaders who are committed to upholding the rights of all South Africans in the upcoming elections.