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Launch of Human Rights character

SAMGI launched its Human Rights project and character Mambo - Women's Rights are Human Rights on National Human Rights Day - 21st March 2004 at Ikwezi Centre Guguletu. On the programme for this memorable day were speakers like Joe Mthinka and Helene Combrinck . The youth, children and adults attending the event were able to view the video 'Chavez - Inside the Coup' and were able to participate in the discussion that took place. After the hard work came a time for dancing and joy as our two local bands Supa Dam and Spindle Sekt entertained the crowds.

On the 21st March 2004, a day celebrated by most people as Human Rights Day in South Africa , marks the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre . The Native Laws Amendment Act of 1952 extended Government control over the movement of Africans to urban areas and abolished the use of the Pass Book (a document which Africans were required to carry on them to 'prove' that they were allowed to enter a 'white area') in favour of a reference book which had to be carried at all times by all Africans. Failure to produce the reference book on demand by the police was a punishable offence. The PAC proposed an anti-Pass campaign to start on 21 March 1960 . All African men were to take part in the campaign without their passes and present themselves for arrest.

Campaigners gathered at police stations in townships near Johannesburg where they were dispersed by police. At the Sharpeville police station a scuffle broke out. Part of a wire fence was trampled, allowing the crowd to move forward. The police opened fire, apparently without having been given a prior order to do so. Sixty-nine people were killed and 180 wounded.

In apartheid South Africa , this day became known as Sharpeville Day and although not part of the official calendar of public holidays, the event was commemorated among anti-apartheid movements.