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On the 21st March 1960, South Africans faced brutality in the fight for freedom. In memory of this iconic event, we celebrate Human Rights Day, to commemorate the lives lost in the protest against Pass Laws.

 

What is Human Rights Day?
In the face of racism, segregation, and inequality, South Africans stood in protest as an act of defiance to reclaim their freedom. The innocent crowds seeking liberation faced brutality as police shot and killed many of the protesters at Sharpeville. The tragic act came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre.

The Democratic government declared March 21, Human Rights Day as a tribute to those who fought for the rights we have today.

These rights include:

  • Equality – everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
  • Human dignity – everyone has inherent dignity and to have their dignity respected and protected.
  • Freedom of movement and residence – everyone has a right to freedom of movement and to reside anywhere in the country.
  • Language and culture – everyone has the right to use their language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice.
  • Life – everyone has the right to life.

At Webhelp South Africa, we are proud to recognise Human Rights Day. With five sites in South Africa, it is one of our growing offshore locations, with a talent pool of multi-lingual, multi-cultural diverse and passionate game changers servicing global clients across eight industries.

As we remember the sacrifices of those who fought for liberation, let’s be mindful on how important it is to promote diversity and inclusion in our work place today.

 

Our Diversity and Inclusion Roadmap includes:

Diversity Openness – Creating favourable ground to nurture and diversify initiatives.

Cultural Diversity – Celebrating our origins and communities

Access to employment – Changing the mindset of traditional recruitment and driving inclusive hiring methodologies

Gender Diversity – Creating a better balance, challenging stereotypes and broadening perception

Ability & Accessibility – Enabling Webhelpers with a long-term illness, impairment or disability to reach their full potential in the workplace

General Diversity – Whatever their stage in life, supporting Webhelpers through their professional journey

LGBT & Friends – A workplace where you can be yourself and grow, accepted without exception

 

Community Initiatives

Our people strategy is fundamental to our success and is shaped around our values as well as supporting our people to develop their careers with Webhelp.

In partnership with Harambee, we strive to positively impact youth unemployment in South Africa. Since 2016, we have welcomed around 850 Impact workers through Harambee into our organisation, and have found permanent positions for over 600 supporting various campaigns and clients, to remain in full time employment.

In 2020 we welcomed around 500 impact workers on an internship model sponsored by the City of Cape Town to gain valuable working experience.

“We will continue to drive our Impact sourcing model to make a positive impact on our communities and the youth of South Africa and continuing to embracing diversity and inclusion is a business imperative for us.” Cathy Kalamaras, People Director, Webhelp South Africa

 

As a people-first business, we care passionately about upholding human rights, being inclusive and promoting diversity.

Happy Human Rights Day from the Webhelp team.