Mayor Plato encourages compassion this Human Rights Day

21 March 2021

Statement by the Executive Mayor, Dan Plato

As the 61st anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre is marked on 21 March 2021, the Executive Mayor has urged residents to continue practicing compassion.

The past year has required much of us. Having now passed one full year of Covid-19, it is clear that the compassion, awareness and resilience of our fellow Capetonians has grown significantly. As Mayor, I understand the challenges which we have collectively experienced over the past 12 months and I wish to thank you for reaching out to others, offering support and remaining resilient. The City has worked tirelessly to assist those in need, through capacitating soup kitchens across the metro, distributing thousands of food parcels and Covid-19 hygiene care packs, as well as partnering on initiatives aimed at ensuring food security.

Part of upholding human rights is to ensure that we help create an environment where opportunities thrive. Between January and December 2020, our City, through our strategic business partnerships, contributed to the creation of 7 600 jobs and attracted R11 billion in investment, despite the national lockdown.

The City of Cape Town’s newly-launched mobile business help desk is also taking its services directly to where businesses need it, to support the growth and recovery of our vital Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

This will be the second Human Rights Day marked during an ongoing global pandemic. Our Constitution protects the rights of all and we must continue fighting for equality and opportunity. It has been more than 60 years since South Africans stood up against Pass laws and helped change the course of our history.

I appeal to you to celebrate responsibly to avoid a very likely third wave of Covid-19. The City is doing everything it can to support provincial and national government in containing the virus, rolling out vaccinations and continuing to provide much-needed services.

Upholding the rights of others means respecting requests to continue adhering to social distancing, mask-wearing and regular handwashing. We have not yet seen the end of the pandemic, which means we must continue do this out of love and compassion for each other.

I am confident that we will emerge from this period with more connection, strength and kindness through supporting our fellow residents.

I wish you a peaceful Human Rights Day!

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office