What are we celebrating on March 21?

As the country gears up to celebrate Human Rights Day, and the historical significance the day holds in the making of the Constitution South Africa prides itself over, Capital Newspapers asked residents their thoughts on Human Rights Day, and how human rights plays out in their lived experience. ANDRE WILLIAMSON

The South African Constitution is wonderful; it’s just proving hard to act it out. But with the appointment of Raymond Zondo as the new Chief of Justice, I must say, I am hopeful.

KOEN GOUWELOOS

Implementing human rights on the ground is just not happening. Private security companies are doing more to protect communities than the police.

JEREL JOSEPH

What about our basic rights to water and electricity? I don’t know what there is to celebrate with the public holiday when it comes to our current situation with no water and electricity on a daily basis.

STHEMBILE MAZIBUKO

I think Human Rights Day is an opportunity to bring everybody together and reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation. That is definitely a reason to celebrate. And while we reflect on how far we’ve come, it’s also a good reminder for us all to never go back to the way things were before.

SPUME DLUNGWANE

Basic rights is having access to education, water and electricity. I believe that we all have equal rights, but we are not all treated equally.

PARIKSHA MAHARAJ

Our rights and equality are of great importance. Regarding unemployment and the lack of service delivery, I feel that there is no equality in our country.