What Human Rights Day means to Millennials & GenZ.
To this generation, Human Rights Day signifies the day that South Africa held its first democratic election when Nelson Mandela was elected as its first democratic President 21 March, Human Rights Day, is officially proclaimed a public holiday. On Human Rights Day, we as South Africans are asked to reflect on our rights, to protect our rights and the rights of all people from violation, irrespective of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, whether we are foreign national or not – human rights apply to everyone, equally.
However, Human Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked with 21 March 1960, and the events of Sharpeville. On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws. This day marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. It became an iconic date in our country’s history. Today we commemorate Human Rights Day as a reminder of the cost paid for our treasured human rights and freedoms.
In the Boomerang contact centre environment, we constantly strive to ensure that all our Bae’s (agents) are treated equally, with respect, integrity, and professionalism. All decisions relating to Bae’s are aligned to these core values and we are proud of our diverse culture. The advantages of having such a unique and diverse culture in our organisation, is that the experience goes beyond surface-level diversity. Boomerang SA employs People with different opinions, backgrounds (degrees and social experience), religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experience.
Tezna Haywood : “As a GenZ, I pictured a life which would be a lot easier than that which my parents and freedom fighters lived. My parents advised that I can dream big as there were no limitations such as “Apartheid” to hold me back.
This is a similar mindset I’ve adopted in all working environments I apply myself in. I do believe that nothing can hold me back, I am my biggest limitation.”
Sergio Coetzee : “As young South Africans born in the ‘90s a Millennial, we are reminded of the new direction and opportunities that were made possible by the brave actions of those who came before us.
At Boomerang, we are encouraged to be our true authentic selves and express our human rights freely. We work hard, but we also have the right to have fun and celebrate our victories. Boomerang puts its people first, which is why they have earned the nickname BAE (Before Anyone Else). They recognize and celebrate talent and achievements, and most importantly, they truly recognize their people. It is this human touch that sets Boomerang apart. Let us continue to celebrate our human rights and inspire each other to make a difference in our communities and our country.”
Xolile Samkelo Ngqokwe: “Being born in the late 80’s just a few years before the 1990’s, Human Rights Day means a great deal to me. I’ve witnessed first hand what it was for a black person to not have any rights in the country of my birth. That also means I proudly watched on TV with millions of south Africans as we celebrated the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, the end of a government that had hateful policies and the birth of the Constitution. This is a monumental occasion that must be celebrated, and its importance and relevance passed on to the younger generation. Being a Boomerang Bae in a Democratic South Africa, I’m able to apply for any job in within my organisation and in South Africa without any discrimination. I can enjoy these rights at my workplace by freedom of expression, no fear of being a black proud gay man and know my workplace and colleagues will celebrate my uniqueness.” As a millennial I believe I have a unique perspective as I watched it all unfold, and as a Boomerang Bae, I am able to express myself freely, without fear of persecution.”
KeoabetsweVunyelwa Heather Makhonjwa : “For me personally, these rights mean fairness, justice and non-discrimination. At the office these rights do align, the environment is a very cheerful and culture is amazing, there is fairness, equality, freedom and non-discriminations. The synergy is amazing!
My personal journey as a Millennial has not an easy one, there’s a lot we deal with as a youth, sometimes our cries are not heard, however, we remain strong and must keep our heads up. My focus is doing my online course which will enhance my skill set as an asset to the company. I feel like there’s a lot I’ve achieved at Boomerang and to be honest it was unexpected; it is always lovely seeing leaders who see potential in you and a leader who grooms you for the next possible role. I am happy, and content!”
Boomerang’s culturally diverse and inclusive contact centre environment empowers people to develop their talents and skills. It gives them a platform to voice their opinion, a range of ideas and expertise enables them to learn from each other through mentorship, and leadership programmes. It also boosts problem-solving capabilities and increases happiness and productivity. At Boomerang we have learnt that time is a scarce commodity but the best investment, we must listen, inspire and take action as our Bae’s are the future leaders.
Target driven | Professionalism | Respect | Integrity | Having Fun
