Pretoria — Preparations are at an advanced stage for celebrations of Human Right's Day scheduled for 21 March.

Briefing the media following Cabinet's meeting on Thursday, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said preparations for the celebrations, which will be held in Sharpeville, were going well.

"This year's celebrations will include the acknowledgement of the progress the country was making to restore the dignity and rights of all South Africans," said Maseko.

He said 2.8 million houses were completed under the subsidy scheme while the percentage of households with access to portable water increased from 61 percent to 91.8 percent between 1994 and March 2009.

"In this context, President (Jacob) Zuma urged Cabinet Ministers to ensure that future celebrations of national days must assume a truly national character and be organised on a non-partisan basis," said Maseko.