Celebrating Human Rights Day in the Streets

Galjoen Street in Diazville came to life with people participating in a number of fun-filled sport events at the West Coast Region Community Sport Festival on 21 March 2014. The festival was hosted by Saldanha Bay Municipality and Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). Street netball, tag-rugby and dibeke were on offer, while participants could also play five-a-side soccer on the sports field.

Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay, Francois Schippers said this historic day comes with responsibility. “It’s important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during apartheid so that we can have human rights today. During this festival, we can proudly and safely play together in the streets.”

Participants enjoyed the activities, and the community at large showed their pride in the streets. Candice Swiegelaar (13) from Diazville said she and her friends had a memorable day. “We seldom get the opportunity to play on the streets because it’s not always safe. The festival made us feel safe.”

Cornelius Malgas of the DCAS West Coast Sport Office said the partners are hoping to host similar festivals in surrounding communities because these are valuable interventions in the lives of youth at risk. “We’re hoping to host a number of community games, which will ultimately lead to a ward games event. This would promote social inclusion, respect for one another, teamwork and change for the better.”