South Africa’s second opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), said the country’s Human Rights Day should be renamed as “Sharpeville Day” in honour of the 69 men and women who lost their lives some 63 years ago in Soweto.
In a statement, the EFF said it was “rejecting” Human Rights Day as a concept, and would instead be celebrating “Sharpeville Day” to honour the dozens who lost their lives after being shot dead outside the Sharpeville police station.
“The naming of the 21st of March as Human Rights Day is the highest form of revisionism, which must be rejected with the highest form of contempt that it deserves,” the party said.
It added: “Accordingly, the EFF recognises today as Sharpeville Day. This is in honour of those who were slain by the apartheid government for refusing to have their movement controlled and dictated to them in their own land.”
The party accused the government of “completely underplaying” the sacrifice of those who died during the 1959 incident.
In addition, the EFF said the country’s national anthem should drop the apartheid part of it called “Die Stem” – and leave “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”, which is African.
NM/jn/APA