In post-apartheid South Africa, 21 March is celebrated annually as Human Rights Day, to promote basic human rights of all South Africans as outlined in the Bill of Rights, whilst also commemorating the activism of those who put their lives on the line to fight for these rights. The date chosen for Human Rights Day is historically significant as it commemorates the event known to history as the Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 people were killed and over 180 others injured as they aimed to assert their right to live freely within their own country without being forced to carry the infamous pass.
On the 63rd anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, the theme of “LeaveNoOneBehind – walk for your rights” reminds us of the ongoing struggle for human rights, dignity, and justice in South Africa. The message calls on all of us to stand in solidarity with those who have been marginalised and oppressed, and to work towards a more equitable and inclusive society. While South Africa has made significant progress in the years since the end of apartheid, the country continues to face deep-seated challenges and inequalities.
To understand the significance of the Sharpeville Massacre, and its meaning to people today who continue to strive for a more just and equal South Africa, it is important to outline some key developments in the liberation movement during the apartheid period.
After 1948 when the National Party government came to power and began implementing its policy of apartheid, many leaders from different liberation movements sought to coordinate their efforts to fight against the new regime. This manifested itself in some noteworthy cases of mass mobilisation including the Defiance Campaign (1952), the Congress of the People and adoption of the Freedom Charter (1955), and the Women’s March (1956) to name a few. However, as the resistance to apartheid intensified, a split occurred within the leading liberation organisation at the time, the African National Congress (ANC), about how to continue the fight for a democratic South Africa.
On 6 April 1959, a faction known as the Africanists broke away from the ANC to establish the Pan African Congress (PAC) under the leadership of Robert Sobukwe and Potlako Leballo. The new organisation anticipated a membership of 100 000 by July 1959 believing that many supporters of the ANC would leave and join the PAC, recognising it as the true voice of the African people. However, this growth rate failed to materialise and by December of 1959, the PAC had a membership of only 30 000. Heading into 1960, Sobukwe believed the time was rife for a demonstration of the PAC’s commitment to put an end to white minority rule. At its December conference of 1959, the ANC had planned a series of demonstrations to oppose the official celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the unification of South Africa in 1910, which included an anti-Pass protest to begin on 31 March 1960. Understanding the anger and humiliation that Africans faced having to carry the pass, Sobukwe recognised the importance of an anti-pass demonstration in drawing support for the PAC and chose to announce an anti-pass demonstration of his own scheduled ten days earlier than the ANC’s.
One area where support for Sobukwe’s anti-pass campaign was strong was the township of Sharpeville, where unemployment and high costs of rent led to anger. Although estimates differ, a crowd of roughly 7 000 assembled outside the police station without their passes demanding to be arrested. A policeman opened fire on the crowd without command and others followed. The result was 69 people killed and 180 wounded, most of whom were shot in the back as they tried to escape. This massacre of peaceful protesters led to country wide disruptions from many groups and brought international condemnation to the apartheid regime.
The theme of “LeaveNoOneBehind – walk for your rights” reminds us that the struggle for human rights and dignity is ongoing, and that we must all play a part in shaping the future we want to see. Just as Sharpeville was not the end of the fight against apartheid, the end of apartheid did not automatically end inequality in South Africa. Thus, let us honour the memory of those who were killed at Sharpeville, and all those who have fought for justice and equality in South Africa, by continuing to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Dr Karthigasen Gopalan; PhD: History
Senior Lecturer: History
School of Humanities
E-mail: [email protected]
