Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu Cllr
Human Rights Day should be a day to commemorate the strides South Africa has made for human rights and dignity.
However, in Botshabelo in Mangaung Municipality and across the Free State, our people suffer from the indignity of poor services such as the lack of water and unemployment.
Free State residents endure some of the most severe violations of Human Rights in South Africa. The DA has a record of complaints lodged with the Human Rights Commission, including healthcare, sanitation, and the most fundamental of human rights, water.
Water remains a significant concern in the province. The DA recently held a press conference to highlight water insecurity and how this poses a threat to our democracy and delivered a detailed report on this issue to the South African Human Rights Commission.
The absence of a reliable and safe water supply not only destabilizes communities but also stunts economic growth. Agriculture, mining, and the industrial sector, including factories, all rely heavily on water.
Other areas also impacted negatively by a lack of decent water are schooling, healthcare, small businesses, sports, and tourism.
The Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.
In an election year, we must celebrate our right to vote and freedom to vote for a political party of our choosing. The DA has a track record of good governance which protects the dignity of residents where we govern. We must remove the ANC from government on 29 May and restore dignity to our residents and communities.