Weskussers deel hul denke oor Menseregtedag, wat jaarliks op 21 Maart gevier word.

Tsotello Nenzinane (18)

What does Human Rights Day mean to you?

Human Rights Day, to me, is a reminder of the struggles people have gone through for freedom, equality and dignity. It shows us the importance of appreciating the rights we have today and recognizing that not everyone in the world is as fortunate as we are. It also makes me think about the responsibility we have to stand up for those whose rights are still being violated in our country.

Do you think human rights are being applied and how would you like to see them implemented more?

I think human rights are applied in some places more than others, but there’s still a long way to go. There is still a lot of inequality, discrimination, and injustice, even in countries that claim to prioritize human rights. I’d like to see them implemented more through action, not just words, but stronger laws that actually protect people, accountability for those who violate rights, and more education so people understand and fight for their own rights. It’s one thing to say “everyone is equal”, but real change happens when that’s reflected in everyday life.

Are there any human rights issues that you feel could be improved in your community?

Yes, definitely. I think access to quality education and job opportunities could be improved. A lot of young people don’t get the same chances to succeed, whether it’s because of financial struggles or the schools not being well equipped. Also, gender-based violence and discrimination are still big issues that need more serious action, but that begins with the people. We talk about change, but there needs to be more effort in actually protecting and uplifting those who are affected.

How can we improve human rights in society?

I think improving human rights starts with education and awareness. People need to know their rights and understand when they’re being violated. From there, it’s about holding those in power accountable — governments, businesses, and even individuals. Laws need to be enforced properly, and there should be real consequences for discrimination, corruption, and abuse. On a smaller scale, we can all do something, whether it’s speaking up when we see injustice, supporting organisations that fight for human rights, or just treating people with respect and fairness in our daily lives. Change happens when everyone decides to start doing something different, in my opinion.

Trudie Marais (54):

Wat beteken Menseregtedag vir jou?

Menseregtedag vir my beteken dat ons alle mense en kulture moet vier vir dit waarin elkeen glo en voor staan.

Dink jy menseregte word toegepas en hoe sal jy wil sien hoe dit meer geïmplementeer word?

Nie almal se regte word gevier en gerespekteer nie. Ek sal meer daarvan hou dat mense meer respek sal toon teenoor verskillende kulture en geloof. Respek is is wat werklik nodig is en dit sal moet aangeleer en geleef word.

Is daar enige menseregtekwessies wat jy voel kan verbeter in jou gemeenskap?

In ons gemeenskap is daar wel ‘n gebrek aan respek vir die groter prentjie. Selfrespek moet gekweek word by die huis van kindsbeen af deur ouers en skole. Almal moet leer dat dit baie soorte smarties vat om die boksie vol te maak, want smarties is elkeen uniek aan kleur, maar die doppies en die binneste is alles dieselfde.

Hoe kan ons menseregte verbeter in die samelewing?

Daar moet meer blootstelling wees en ook mense wat die voortou sal neem. Ons het goeie leierskap nodig, elkeen moet trots wees op waar hulle bly. Maak dit skoon, hou dit skoon, wees hulpvaardig waar jy kan. Wees die mens wat jy weet jy verlang in die lewe. Ons moet leer om te aanvaar en bereid wees om te lei. Hier is soveel mense wat nie die son oor ander wil sien skyn nie. Die son is genoeg en warm vir almal. “Respect yourself in order te be respected.”

Maxine Davids (24):

Wat beteken Menseregte dag vir jou?

Menseregtedag vir my is basies die gelykheid van ons almal om te weet ons almal is liggaam siel en gees ongeag jou ras of velkleur; ons moet gelyk behandel word.

Dink jy menseregte word toegepas en hoe sal jy wil sien hoe dit meer geïmplementeer word?

Dit word nie ten volle toegepas nie, want in sekere plekke word voorkeur gegee as jy meer status het as die ander. Ek het al ervaar hoe iemand in ‘n winkel ‘n tannie ignoreer toe sy vir hulp vra, maar 10 minute daarna, toe ‘n man met status vir hulp vra, word daar sag met hom gepraat en met respek.

Is daar enige menseregtekwessies wat jy voel kan verbeter in jou gemeenskap?

Ja. Soms word jongmense verstoot omdat hulle nie juis baie ervaring het in die lewe nie. Ek sal dit graag wil sien verander.

Margaret Makalima (59)

Dink jy menseregte word toegepas en hoe sal jy wil sien hoe dit meer geïmplementeer word?

Gedeeltelik word dit toegepas, om en by 40%. Meer jongmense moet ingelig word waaroor dit gaan en hoe om dit te vier.

Is daar enige menseregtekwessies wat jy voel kan verbeter in jou gemeenskap?

Senior burgers word geensins na gekyk nie. Hul toelae is gelykstaande aan die ongeskiktheidsfonds. Pleegsorg- kinders en ouers word verwaarloos en terwyl mense in rye moet staan om te wag vir klinieke en Sassa-kantore om oop te maak, word hulle soms sarkasties behandel.