In his remembrance, the Commission is drawn to the speech he delivered on 21 March 2018, during a commemoration of National Human Rights in Sharpeville, Johannesburg where he raised concern about persistent violence against children in the country.   

In our journey to heal the wounds of the past and rebuild our country, our nation yearns for many more Ingrid Jonkers who will fight – without regard to race - for the rights of children in our townships and villages.

All South Africans, black and white, must be outraged by the death of five-year-old Viwe Jaliin a school latrine pit toilet in Mbizana. 

Oliver Tambo was born in Mbizana. What would he say to us who busk in the glory of his struggle, if we still fail to protect our children, years after  Grade R learner, Michael Komape, died in a similar undignified manner in 2014.

Why would The Lion of the North, Peter Mokaba, not turn in his grave when he learns that recently, a five-year-old girl in grade R, was electrocuted at a school in Limpopo.

What do we say, when in November last year, five children died a gruesome death in Soshanguve when an overhead light fell on them.

What do we say to our innocent children about a police officer who molests children placed in his care, children who have entrusted justice and salvation to him after they were raped?

What has gone wrong? Why have we become so numbed to the tragedies that rob our children of their innocence?

As the country gathers to remember his legacy, the Commission challenges all  sectors of society to also use the occasion of mourning to zoom on the 2018 Human Rights Day speech and seek a lasting solution to the pandemic of violence against children that continues to repeat itself year after year.  The late Mr Mabuza stated “We urge law students, law firms, universities, NGOs, and communities to contribute their skills and time to ensure that … children are cared for, that their rights to dignity and access to food are fully realized.”

The former Deputy President, Mr David Mabuza like many other freedom fighters from the north contributed to the fight for freedom, equality and human rights that we enjoy today.

Ends

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION