President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed the importance of upholding human rights, national unity, and reconciliation in a post-apartheid South Africa.
In his weekly letter to the nation, reflecting on Human Rights Day, Ramaphosa marked the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre, where 69 unarmed protesters were killed by apartheid police on March 21, 1960.
Ramaphosa took this opportunity to reaffirm the nation's dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all its citizens.
Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa has worked tirelessly to build a society where human rights are respected for everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, culture, or religion, he said.
Ramaphosa stressed that, “we have strived to build a society that recognises the injustices of our past, while advancing reconciliation and national unity."
The commitment to human dignity is enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, which guarantees rights to all citizens, ensuring freedom and equality under the law.
Ramaphosa highlighted the progress the country has made since transitioning from apartheid, noting that South Africans have the right to freely express their opinions and seek justice through independent courts and democratic institutions.
The nation, he emphasised, has held successive free and fair elections since 1994, a reflection of its dedication to democracy and the rule of law.
However, he also pointed out a troubling global trend of divisiveness, calling on South Africans to reject such politics.
In particular, he addressed the "completely false narrative" being spread, claiming that people of certain races or cultures in South Africa are being persecuted.
Ramaphosa said: “We should reject the politics of divisiveness that is emerging in many parts of the world. In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution."
This comes after US President Donald Trump accused South Africa of "confiscating land" and "treating some classes of people very badly".
He also reflected on South Africa’s global stance, noting that the country has long been recognised for its commitment to human rights. Despite challenges faced worldwide, including a resurgence of racism, South Africa's path of reconciliation remains a beacon of hope.
“Since the end of apartheid our country has been recognised globally for upholding human rights,” he said.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s solidarity with those around the world facing persecution, discrimination, and conflict.
"Human rights are universal and indivisible," he said, underlining the country's unwavering commitment to supporting the global human rights movement.
He further emphasised the need for the United Nations human rights system to be strengthened so that the protection of human rights is not limited to a select few but guaranteed for all.
As the country reflects on the state of human rights this month, Ramaphosa encouraged citizens to be proud of the progress made while renewing their commitment to strengthening the culture of human rights.
“Let us recommit ourselves to working together to ensure our human rights culture is upheld and strengthened,” he said.