South Africans urged to demand their constitutional rights – SABC News

To commemorate Human Rights Day and mark the 30th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the Human Rights Commission says that the Constitution had given South Africans dignity like never before. However, it calls on South Africans to demand all their constitutional rights from those who are supposed to serve them, including mayors, councillors, and executives.

Human Rights Day | The SAHRC Chairperson, Rev Chris Nissen, on the significant of the National Human Rights Day Commemoration, 21 March. pic.twitter.com/xVygaiD94k
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) March 21, 2026

Speaking ahead of the official national commemoration of Human Rights Day at AR Abass stadium, in Kimberley,  Reverend Chris Nissen says the Constitution must be a lived reality of South Africans.
“Know your Constitution, read your Constitution, and demand your rights from it through those who are meant to serve you—your councillors, mayors, MPs, Parliament, and the executive. Say: this is our Constitution, we know it, and we want to realise our rights in practical ways that can improve our lives.
VIDEO | Human Rights | SAHRC Chairperson Chris Nissen on significance of the Day in SA

Human Rights Day | The SAHRC Chairperson, Rev Chris Nissen, on the recourse of human rights challenges in the country. pic.twitter.com/CK43QrttBP
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) March 21, 2026

Limpopo 
Some residents in Bakenberg outside Mokopane, Limpopo, say they still face service delivery challenges. The residents want the government to fix roads, solve water shortage and create employment for the youth.
“We can see that government officials are here but we see them when we are going to elections. Roads in Backenburg are damaged. We don’t have jobs. Almost 75 percent of the youth in Backenburg are not working….We are here to celebrate but our roads have potholes and some of our extentions are big and they don’t have electricity.”
Mpumalanga 
Residents of Standerton in Mpumalanga say their taps have been dry for years, leaving them feeling that their basic human rights are being violated.
The Lekwa Local Municipality has long been struggling to provide adequate water to communities. This, despite national and provincial government intervention throughout the years.
Western Cape
Some organisations working on farms in the Western Cape are on a drive to improve human rights and dignity for labourers on farms, especially for women.
Male farmworkers often enjoy more workers’ rights and privileges than their female counterparts.Human Rights Day provides an opportunity to highlight efforts by stakeholders to transform the farming sector into one where women will have more opportunities for economic activities and growth.
Gauteng
Residents of Sharpville in the Vaal, where the 1960 massacre occurred, say their right to dignity is still being violated. Raw sewage has been spilling into the streets for over a month now. However, residents say the problem has flared up on and off for years. Emfuleni Municipality spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, says measures are underway to address the problem.
 

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