​Lerato Mailoane
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has announced that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has declared the Sharpeville Memorial Monument and the 69 graves of the victims of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre as World Heritage Sites.
Speaking at the Human Rights Day commemoration on Friday, 21 March, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised the significance of remembering the tragic events of 21 March 1960, when apartheid police killed 69 peaceful anti-apartheid protesters in Sharpeville.
"We meet today on such a sad day in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre on 21 March 1960, the day apartheid police killed 69 peaceful anti-apartheid protesters in the township.
"Their death must not be in vain. We should not forget this day, we should not forget the families and children of those who passed away," Lesufi said.
The Premier extended his gratitude to the South African National Heritage Council and the South African Heritage Resources Agency for their dedication to securing UNESCO recognition for the sites.
"I want to thank you for the commitment that we have made to have the Sharpeville Memorial Monument and the 69 graves of the victims of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre declared as World Heritage sites. I appreciate that those who came before me have kept the day's memory alive. 
"I have also carried that mandate, and future generations must also carry that mandate, and we appreciate that as of today, the Sharpeville Heritage Site is now an international historic site," the premier said.
Lesufi emphasised that the site now stands as a global symbol, reaffirming that our skin colour is not a flaw, but a mark of our shared humanity.
He called on the local community to honour and protect the site, emphasising its newfound international status.
The Sharpeville Memorial Monument, built at the site of the massacre, along with the 69 graves at Phelindaba Cemetery and various statues, is now declared part of a collection of 14 heritage sites included in the Nelson Mandela Legacy Memorial Program.
This designation ensures that the sites will be preserved, protected, and maintained for future generations.
This year's Human Rights Month commemoration was held under the theme: 'Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,' which underscores the importance of service delivery and the need to uphold human rights for all.
In addition to commemorating Sharpeville, Premier Lesufi announced a new initiative to address youth unemployment. In April, he said the provincial government will advertise 32 000 Teacher Assistant positions, with successful candidates set to start work in May across Gauteng schools. 
Furthermore, he highlighted Microsoft's plan to train one million South Africans in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity by 2026, equipping young people with critical digital skills.
Addressing the issue of housing, Premier Lesufi clarified that young people should no longer apply for RDP houses, as these will be allocated primarily to pensioners and long-standing applicants.
Premier Lesufi re-emphasised that the provincial government has bought vacant land in all municipalities as part of the Ikagaleng Rapid Land Release Programme. The programme is a strategic intervention designed to provide qualifying and approved beneficiaries with serviced stands, enabling them to build their own houses.
The Premier also reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalising central business districts (CBDs) and restoring law and order in communities.