Human Rights Day South Africa – March 21, 2027

Expected Human Rights Day South Africa Deals

As a significant national day of remembrance, Human Rights Day South Africa typically sees a focus on educational initiatives, community service, and advocacy rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Legal Resources Centre often host public awareness campaigns. Corporate partners may engage in donation-matching programs or support legal aid clinics. Ethical businesses might highlight their commitment to fair labor practices. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as March 21 approaches.

History of Human Rights Day South Africa

December 10, 1948, witnessed the United Nations adopt the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights (U.D.H.R.)” — an international document that enshrines the 30 rights of all humans, encompassing humanity, freedom, justice, and peace. Top violated human rights in South Africa include equality, unfair labor practices, lack of access to health care, water, food, and social security, right to just administrative action, and violations of rights about arrest and detention.

Racial segregation and the apartheid system were powered by Pass Laws otherwise known as the Native Laws Amendment Act, 1952, which saw blacks being segregated and denied their rights; limits to permanent residence in urban areas, controlled movement, and requirement of blacks to carry a reference book at all times. No black person was allowed in urban areas for more than 72 hours unless exempted by Section 10. The inability to produce the reference book attracted dire consequences.

Frustrated and enraged by the intimidation, lack of respect, and indignity, on March 21, 1960, it was agreed upon by the Pan Africanist Congress (P.A.C.) to launch an anti-pass campaign that would see all African men assemble without passes and present themselves for arrest. Campaigners stormed police stations in townships near Johannesburg and the Sharpeville police station, the latter would be the host of the final deadly blow, the police opened fire on the peaceful protesters and 69 people were gunned down while 180 were wounded. The day came to be known as ‘Sharpeville Day.’

South Africa’s Human Rights Day was birthed when the country held its first democratic election, and anti-apartheid revolutionary and statesman Nelson Mandela was elected as its first democratic President. On March 21, Human Rights Day was officially proclaimed a public holiday.