KNYSNA NEWS - The Hlelokuhle Foundation organised a Human Rights Day demonstration at the Bongani sports field on Tuesday 21 March. The event was a co-operative effort by several community organisations to highlight the importance of the day.
The Knysna-based non-profit organisation, Hlelokuhle, focuses on social issues and promotes environmental protection via social development.
Its goal is to give communities, particularly those who were previously underprivileged, the tools that they need to deal with environmental problems. Luleka Kwitshana, Mveleli Xakaza, Ntomboxolo Matiwane, and Elle-Dean Isaacs are members of the organisation's founding team, which is led by Andile Nkulana.
Families South Africa (Famsa), the Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre, the Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching, and Knysna police were among the organisations represented.
The various organisations in attendance took the opportunity to speak, outlining the goals of their groups and how they assist the larger community in upholding fundamental human rights.
The day centred on highlighting human rights and the benefits they provide to the community, namely the right to education, safety and health care.
The Divine Melodies and Percy Mdala High School choirs performing
Mark Willemse, a former Knysna mayor who is currently with Best for One Africa, organised the gathering and acted as master of ceremonies.
The Percy Mdala High School choir and Divine Melodies choir both gave a moving performance of the national anthem to start the occasion, followed by more joyful music and dancing to energise the audience.
Other notable speakers at the ceremony were Professor Bongani Majola, former Knysna mayor Ricky van Aswegen, Hlumelo Biko and current Knysna Mayor Ndoda Aubrey Tsengwa. The speakers of the event engaged with the crowd on the importance of upholding human rights as a community and working together to care for our fellow men.
In reference to the historical context of Human Rights Day and his call for communal unity to secure a brighter future for the next generation, Biko heralded the phrase "partnering with the people to enhance the community".
The event was aimed at highlighting the importance of the human rights of children in our community. The children not only learned about their rights, but also enjoyed various fun activities organised for them.
A representative handing out ice lollies to the children on Human Rights Day
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
