The Northern Cape Provincial Government will be restoring basic human rights of Ouma /Gâ hais Van Rooi. This will be done during the reburial of Ouma Van Rooi’s remains during the 2017 Human Rights Day celebrations at Steinkopf High School on Tuesday, 21 March 2017. Ouma Van Rooi was born in 1896 and passed away in 1925 due harsh winter conditions. Her grave was raided between 1963 and 1964 where her remains were exhumed and some used in the Steinkopf High School’s Biology classroom. The event will be celebrated under a theme “The year of OR Tambo: Unity in action in advancing Human Rights”. It is scheduled to be addressed by Premier Sylvia Lucas.
The province will also mark the 2017 Human Rights Day through memorial lectures at various other districts. The MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Norman Mr. Shushu will accompany the MEC for Finance Mr. Mack Jack in celebrating the day at Kgomotso High School in Pampierstad in the Frances Baard District. The Speaker of Northern Cape Provincial Legislature Mr. Kenny Mmoiemang will join the MEC for Environment and Nature Conservation Ms. Tiny Chotelo and as well as the MEC for Health Mr. Lebogang Motlhaping at Hotazel Community Hall in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. The celebrations at Kenhardt Community Hall in the ZF Mgcawu District will be led by the MEC for Education Ms. Martha Bartlett together with MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs Mr. Alvin Botes. MEC for Public Works Mr. Mxolisi Sokatsha will lead the celebrations together with MEC for Social Development Mr. Gift Van Staden at Hopetown in the Pixley ka Seme District.
The Human Rights Day is celebrated in recognition of the sacrifices made by many in the long and bitter struggle for freedom and human rights in South Africa.
Moreover, the Human Rights Month Activities will pay a particular focus on the issues of social cohesion with a clear understanding that the infringement of other people’s rights is a big setback in our attempt to build a socially cohesive society that is envisioned in the National Development Plan.
Build up events:
The 2017 Human Rights Day celebrations will be preceded by various build up events which will also take place in various parts of the province. The Department of Education and Department of Justice will roll out Moot Court festivals across the province. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will roll out soccer and netball tournaments as well as social cohesion dialogues. The department will also facilitate inter-generational radio talk show where the born frees will engage stalwarts about issues of human rights. Portholes at various access roads will be patched by the massive roll out from Department of Roads and Public Works.
These activities will provide a platform where society, within the context of human rights, will discuss the social ills that are facing our society, including race and racism, and afford all with an opportunity to contribute in the nation building project of South Africa.
