Poverty, inequality, and violence continue to prevent many from fully enjoying their constitutional rights
By Mapaballo Borotho
Today, 21 March 2026, marks three decades since South Africa’s Constitution was adopted; however, a majority of South Africans still cannot exercise or enjoy some of their constitutional rights.
There are many factors that continue to challenge and violate South Africans’ rights. Some of these include social ills beyond their control, such as poverty, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
The right to education, the right to life, and the right to freedom of expression are among the fundamental rights that apply to everyone who resides in the country, yet not everyone is able to enjoy them.
Let’s take human rights defenders, for example:
Amnesty International South Africa says human rights defenders remain among the most abused and silenced groups of people in the country.
“Human rights defenders play a crucial role in holding authorities accountable and advancing human rights and social justice. Yet, tragically, many of these brave individuals face intimidation, harassment, and even violence and death for their noble efforts,” said Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa.
The advocacy group said there is a continuing pattern of violence against human rights defenders in the country, with very little protection or accountability for perpetrators.
In February, Zweli Mkhize, an Abahlali baseMjondolo activist and human rights defender, was shot and killed after reportedly receiving threats, shortly before President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Abahlali baseMjondolo is a South African grassroots movement of shack dwellers advocating for land, housing, dignity, and democratic empowerment from below.
Mohamed says attacks on those fighting for basic rights are a grave violation of human dignity.
“It is imperative that our government takes decisive action to ensure the protection of these individuals and enacts strong legislation to safeguard their rights.”
Why is Human Rights Day commemorated in SA?
Human Rights Day commemorates 21 March 1960, known as the Sharpeville Massacre.
On that day, 69 people were killed and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd protesting against pass laws, which required Black South Africans to carry documents allowing them access to restricted areas.
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