This morning Wednesday 16 March 22 at the 15th Special Council Sitting of Johannesburg, councillors once again stood as one, united in sorrow to pay their last respects to late Councillor Ntaoleng Mpho Mofokeng.

The Speaker of Council, Councillor Vasco Da Gama led proceedings with representatives from other political parties, they expressed their sincere condolences to late Councillor Mofokeng’s family and handed over a bouquet of flowers. Late Councillor Moloto was inaugurated to serve in Johannesburg as an ANC ward councillor on 22nd November 2021.

Later at the 3rd Ordinary Council Sitting, Speaker Da Gama delivered a speech that focused on Human Rights Day before commencing the council meeting.

“Fellow councillors the month of March commemorates Human Rights Day, which is historically linked to 21 March 1960 and the events of Sharpeville. On that fateful day, 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the apartheid pass laws. It became an iconic date in our country’s history that also marks an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. Rights which include equality, human dignity, freedom of movement and residence, language and culture as well as the right to life.

In the spirit of Human Rights Month, I implore us to foster greater social cohesion and nation building so as to combat the scourge of racism, xenophobia, gender-based violence and femicide. Closely linked to Human Rights Day is International Women’s Day which was celebrated on the 8th of March 2022. This is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality with significant groups coming together to celebrate women’s achievements and rally for their equality”.

Monday 21 March 2022 is Human Rights Day and will be celebrated with various activities in the City.

Ends

Issued by Virgil James
Communications Specialist
City of Joburg
082 467 9415

16/03/2022