South African Human Rights Commissioner Chris Nissen handed over a Citation of Honour to Christian Martin, Special Advisor to Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk, and well-known community activist and leader.
During a visit to Gqeberha City Hall earlier today, Nissen said Martin played a pivotal role to protect and promote human rights in the communities he serves.
“The commission benefited from his leadership as an activist on all fronts in the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples, especially the Khoi and San nation.
“He also highlighted the rampant gang murders in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha by sleeping in a coffin and walked barefoot to Bhisho, the provincial legislature, to make a stand for the indigenous people.
“He was also part of a group of Khoi and San leaders who camped in front of the Union Buildings, demanding a word from the President of the Republic.
“We handed over citations to high level leaders in the South African Police Services and other prominent Khoi and San leaders.
“Christian Martin established himself as a dignified and dedicated community leader, who sacrificed a lot for the betterment of the material conditions of others.
“When we conceptualized the citations to honour men and women of substance, we decided to recognize leaders of exceptional quality like him,” Commissioner Nissen said.
Martin and his compatriots fasted for eighteen days at the Union Buildings until the then Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed them.
Chris Nissen is a South African Human Rights Commissioner for the last seven years and a member of the United Nations Sub-committee on Torture.
Christian Martin said the citation is an unexpected honour that he will treasure forever.
“It has always been part of my emotional and spiritual psyche to provide solutions for the most vulnerable in our community.
“I receive this award on behalf of the many men and women who supporting during all these important campaigns,” Martin said.
NMB Communications
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