​South African Jewish women marched to Constitution Hill on International Women’s Day

Anti-Defamation League

The past year and a half have been difficult for global Jewry.

At last week's Global Jewish Roundtable, we asked Jewish community leaders for one word that can inspire others.

This Friday, 21 March, marks Human Rights Day in South Africa. The day was chosen as it is the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960, one of the darkest episodes of the Apartheid era. On Human Rights Day, South Africans remember those who lost their lives during the struggle to bring freedom, democracy, and equality for all in our country, and commit themselves anew to safeguarding the hard-won rights and freedoms we all enjoy today. We wish everyone a public holiday that is both restful, and meaningful.

There has been much confusion, following last week's failed motion to rescind the renaming of Sandton Drive by the Johannesburg City Council. We would like to clarify as follows: There remains no decision to change the name at this time, and the status remains as per our statement issued on this matter on 29 November 2024: