SADTU STATEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joins the country in commemorating Human Rights Day, under the theme: “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Rights Dignity Real.” This day remains deeply entrenched in the history of our nation. It is a day that honours the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price in the struggle against apartheid, particularly the people who died in the Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960.
As we mark 30 years of the Bill of Rights, we reflect on the progress made in advancing human dignity, equality, and freedom. The Constitution of South Africa remains a cornerstone of our democracy, affirming the fundamental rights of all who live in this country.
Human Rights Day is commemorated during Human Rights Month, which coincides with the commemoration of International Women’s Day. The rights of women and the girl child to safety, security and equality are fundamental human rights.
As a union in the education sector, SADTU emphasises that education is a basic human right as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Education serves as a tool for social transformation and human development. It is through education that individuals are empowered, inequalities are reduced, and a more just and equitable society is built.
While significant strides have been made in expanding access to education since the advent of democracy, serious challenges remain. Many learners, particularly in township and rural schools, continue to experience conditions that undermine their dignity. These include inadequate infrastructure, shortage of learning and teaching materials, overcrowding and insufficient staffing.
As we celebrate 30 years of the Bill of Human Rights, we are faced with the reality that learners in schools in disadvantages communities do not enjoy the same quality of education as those in suburbs in well-resourced schools. This as a stark reminder the promise of the Bill of Rights has not been fully realised. The persistence of these inequalities continues to reproduce social injustice and undermine the vision of a truly democratic society.
Women are most severely impacted by unemployment, poverty,and gender-based violence. Girl learners from the poor working-class backgrounds, sometimes do not attend school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of access to sanitary pads.
On this Human Rights Day, SADTU calls on government to intensify efforts to make human dignity a lived reality in all schools. This include accelerating the eradication of infrastructure backlogs, ensuring safe, secure learning and teaching environments, filling vacant teacher posts, reducing class sizes, and investing meaningfully in teacher development and support.
Addressing the disparities within the education system will not only restore the dignity of learners and educators but will also honour the legacy of those of fought for our freedom and justice.
SADTU remains committed to advocating for quality public education for all and to ensuring that the ideals of the Bill of Rights are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of learners and educators across the country.
SSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat