SAHRC: many are still being denied basic rights
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says despite the hailing of South Africa's Constitution as one of the best in the wold, many South Africans are still being denied both their socio-political and civil-political rights on a daily basis.
South Africa commemorates the Sharpeville massacre today, when police shot and killed 69 people during a protest against the apartheid government's pass laws.
The SAHRC's Gushwell Brooks says the recent social grants crisis is a reflection of the lack of progress made in ensuring all South Africans their rights.
"The recent SASSA debacle shows you how millions of poor South Africans could have been denied their social grants. We also need to consider the regular treatment of people, whether it be incidents of racism on social media or personal day-to-day activities, many are still being denied their rights," says Brooks.
Brooks says it's important for citizens know and understand the Constitution.
"What is important is for South Africans to know the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that is contained in the Constitution, so that we can interact better with each other and protect each other's rights," Brooks says.