FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS

As we prepare for Human Rights Day this week, the mense of Philippi are still living the 'struggle' years

- BY MARSHA DEAN

ALUTA CONTINUA: Philippi residents held a peaceful protest

AS SOUTH Africans observe Human Rights Month this March and reflects on those who fought for democracy, many may question if we are truly exercising our rights or whether those same rights are being violated.

This Saturday, we celebrate Human Rights Day, commemorating 21 March 1960, the Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 people were killed by police during a peaceful protest against Apartheid’s dompas laws.

It also honours those who fought for democracy and serves to uphold the nation’s Constitution and Bill of Rights.

However, the fight seems far from over, with communities still fighting for justice and struggling for access to basic needs such as food, water, healthcare services, social security and more.

Living this struggle are the residents of the Kampies Informal Settlement in Philippi, who feel like their basic human rights are being violated.

The Philippi Horticultural Area Social Economic Development Forum held a peaceful demonstration last Wednesday, claiming to have challenges with service delivery and a delay in employment opportunities.

Born and raised in the community, Rodney Khan said: “We have been struggling with service delivery in our poverty-stricken area for the past few years.

“In those years, we have been in and out of meetings, but nothing transpired. We are not getting service from the police station. When we call during the most critical times, they do not answer, and that is a concern.

“When we have incidents, then we are told to go home and wait, as there is only one vehicle available, which is supposed to service an entire community.