The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) states that Human Rights Day celebrations should not be used by politicians to make empty promises. President Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena highlighted the day as a reminder of apartheid-era brutality against unarmed civilians.
On March 21, 2026, CONTRALESA President Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena called for Human Rights Day to focus on real improvements rather than political rhetoric. He described the commemoration as a reminder of the apartheid regime's brutality, where innocent and unarmed people were shot and killed by security forces. Mokoena expressed that true celebration would occur if South Africans had access to clean water, uninterrupted electricity, and permanent jobs. He urged the government to ensure repatriations for affected families. 'CONTRALESA would have preferred a situation where this day is celebrated whilst our people have access to clean water, have uninterrupted electricity and also have permanent jobs. This day must not be used by politicians to make empty promises. We calls upon government to make sure that all the affected families get repatriations. By so doing this will be a real celebration of our human rights day,' Mokoena said. The statement comes amid national observances of the day, which Parliament also joined to reflect on values of dignity, equality, and freedom.