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HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH: Safety is not a privilege, it’s a right

29 March 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Valentino Ndaba

Human Rights UFS news — On 22 March 2023 students gathered on the Bloemfontein Campus for a celebration honouring Human Rights Day.

“As people we have the right to feel safe within the environment in which we live, no matter the circumstances. We cannot walk on the streets being fearful of what might transpire. We have the SAPS which has the constitutional obligation to make sure we feel safe. On campus as students, we also have access to Protection Services, which is tasked with ensuring our safety. It is crucial to understand that we have this section 12 right to safety, because safety is not a privilege, it’s a right,” said Lutho Makhofola during a human rights celebration held on the University of the Free State’s Bloemfontein Campus on 22 March 2023.

Lutho, a fourth year LLB student, is one of many Human Rights ambassadors who are part of the Free State Centre for Human Rights (FSCHR) which hosted the Human Rights Day celebration. The ambassadors led a dialogue with other fellow students under the national theme: ‘Consolidating and Sustaining Human Rights Culture into the Future’. In addition to robust discussions, students also tested their knowledge of the with a quiz before signing a pledge committing themselves to becoming livelong advocates for human rights.

Remembering 1960

Dr Annelie De Man, Coordinator in the Advocacy Division of the FSCHR, said the event was about celebrating the present while reflecting on the past. “The aim is to raise awareness around matters of human rights in celebration of Human Rights Day observed on 21 March.”

Human Rights Day in South Africa commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre which took place on 21 March 1960 where 69 died and 180 were injured when police opened fire on a crowd that had gathered to peacefully protest the pass laws. We now have the opportunity to contemplate on South Africa’s road to democracy, the realisation of change, and the advancement of human rights awareness both in the academic setting and society at large since this significant day in our nation's history unfolded 63 years ago.

Significance for students

According to Limeque Redgard, Student Assistant at the FSCHR and a former Human Rights ambassador, the purpose of the FSCHR Human Rights Day commemorative event was to inform and educate students about their rights, particularly the rights that apply to the university setting, to encourage reflection on those rights and how to exercise them responsibly.

“I believe that such events are important for students because we are in such a diverse space within the university, therefore such events bring us together for a common purpose and allow us to celebrate each other's diversity. Furthermore, the goal is to equip students for the world.”

News Archive

Shining as bright as her crown

2017-05-31

Description:Prudence Mahlaba first Black Rag Queen Tags: Prudence Mahlaba first Black Rag Queen

The radiant beauty, Prudence
Mahlaba, during a photoshoot
for her #PeopleOfKovsies billboard.
Photo: Sonia Small

The bubbly personality of Prudence Mahlaba gave us a peep into her life. Many may have seen her face on the latest billboard by the main gate of the Bloemfontein Campus, but today we take a look at the person behind the crown.

“I am a kind-hearted person. What you see, is what you get, no matter how bad a day I am having,” says Prudence Mahlaba, the first Black Rag Queen in the history of Kovsies.

Aspiring lawyer a role model for others

This fourth-year LLB student and residence committee member of Akasia, says she always presents her true self. “You are someone else’s role model, so you have to be affirmative.”

“I don’t say that I wanted to do it, but I did achieve to become the first black Rag Queen ever,” she says. Prudence knew that she would make a positive impact and achieve great things. She also hopes to travel as soon as she gets the opportunity. Her relationship with God provides her with a healthy lifestyle, and she confesses that she hardly ever sees the inside of a gym. She spends most of her free time on YouTube watching reality shows.

Empowerment of women important

“Seeing a person, especially a young woman, who is broken and lost, causes me stress and anxiety.” She believes in the empowerment of young women.

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