Today marks 63 years since the apartheid police shot and killed 69 people and wounded 180 in a peaceful protest march against the Pass laws in Sharpeville. 21 March was declared Human Rights Day in the South African calendar in 1990. This day is also an International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination across the world. We spoke to a few celebs who share what Human Rights Day means to them.

CANDY MAGIDIMISA?

Actress and businesswoman, Candy Magidimisa says for her that Human Rights Day is not just a national day that is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. "I celebrate human rights day because it gives me freedom from discrimination, right to equality between men and women, right to life, freedom from torture,' she says. "It gives me freedom from slavery, right to liberty and security of a person, right to be treated with humanity, and freedom of movement and speech.'

PENNYLEBYANE

For radio and TV personality, Penny Lebyane this day is a remembrance. "For the many lives lost for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today: like a right to vote, to live where we want to, freedom of association, etc. What l never want to forget is people died for it so l try to be responsible daily with the rights l have in their honour.' Penny says as a woman living in South Africa, her rights are violated daily. "The right to freedom and self-determination is trampled on just because of my gender,' she says. "The level of violence towards women and children renders me not free in my country because my freedom can lead to my death. Therefore, l move and live with that violation every second and that's not justice. I have a right to be a woman, full stop.' Her message to South Africa is that "People should strive for equality as you exercise your rights, be responsible and note the shared rights we have as a nation then do your least to uphold them.'

BUJY BIKWA

He is a DJ, Radio, and TV radio personality. Bujy Bikwa says this day is to remind us that we can coexist and be together and love one another and find peace. On this day blood was shed and we are benefiting from it.' Bujy says that as a member of the LGBTQI, he is grateful. "We have one of the most amazing constitutions in the world and human rights means we have the right to live and exist,' Buy says he has in the past had his human rights violated. "I am a plus size, black and queer, and sometimes people don't know how to handle that. There is no skill to teach them how to treat me. Most people reject me or they feel uncomfortable. I I have been rejected and discriminated against. We go through it daily. It took me time to realise that no one should be made to feel that way. We try to normalise pain and anger. I learned the hard way that I need to start protecting myself.'