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Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday, 19th March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC), on Thursday the 18th March 2020 welcomed the decision of the Western Cape High Court in the matter with the City of Cape Town on Strandfontein.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
19 March 2021
On Tuesday, 23 March 2021, the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission will host a virtual launch of its 2020-2021 State of Human Rights Report – “Towards Ensuring the Right to Adequate Housing through the Upgrading of Informal Settlements.”
19 March 2021
On Tuesday, 23 March 2021, the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission will host a virtual launch of its 2020-2021 State of Human Rights Report – “Towards Ensuring the Right to Adequate Housing through the Upgrading of Informal Settlements.”
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday, 19 March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) initiated an own accord investigation following a series of protest action by residents of Tugela Ferry in the uMsinga Local Municipality within the uMzinyathi District Municipality (“the Municipality”) over water shortages. The Commission subsequently thereafter received complaints from both the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the National Freedom Party (NFP) on behalf of residents in the Municipality relating to the lack of access to water in the Municipality. The Commission wrote to the Municipality in October 2019 as part of its investigation into the said allegations however, a response from the Municipality was not forthcoming despite various attempts by the Commission to elicit same.
Friday, 19 March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) initiated an own accord investigation following a series of protest action by residents of Tugela Ferry in the uMsinga Local Municipality within the uMzinyathi District Municipality (“the Municipality”) over water shortages. The Commission subsequently thereafter received complaints from both the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the National Freedom Party (NFP) on behalf of residents in the Municipality relating to the lack of access to water in the Municipality. The Commission wrote to the Municipality in October 2019 as part of its investigation into the said allegations however, a response from the Municipality was not forthcoming despite various attempts by the Commission to elicit same.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Thursday, 18th March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) welcomes the judgement handed down by Judge Siraj Desai, in the Western Cape High Court, on Wednesday, the 17th March 2021.
Thursday, 18th March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) welcomes the judgement handed down by Judge Siraj Desai, in the Western Cape High Court, on Wednesday, the 17th March 2021.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
17 March 2021
On 16 March 2021, the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission), together with the Office of the Public Protector (PP), met with the Minister of Higher Education, Innovation and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande. The meeting was convened to discuss and chart a way forward with respect to existing challenges in higher education and the funding thereof.
17 March 2021
On 16 March 2021, the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission), together with the Office of the Public Protector (PP), met with the Minister of Higher Education, Innovation and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande. The meeting was convened to discuss and chart a way forward with respect to existing challenges in higher education and the funding thereof.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
16 March 2021
The Administrator of Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality (“Municipality”), Mr B.M Mhlanga (“Mr Mhlanga”), previously failed to attend subpoena proceedings scheduled for 11 November 2020 by the South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”), necessitating the laying of criminal charges against him in terms of section 22 of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013. The subpoena proceedings related to the investigation of a complaint regarding water access challenges within the Municipality.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
12 March 2021
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the SAHRC the Gauteng Provincial Office of the Commission has produced a five part podcast series looking at the work of the Commission.
12 March 2021
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the SAHRC the Gauteng Provincial Office of the Commission has produced a five part podcast series looking at the work of the Commission.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Thursday, 11 March 2021
Today, 11 March 2021, the High Court in Pretoria made an order in the matter between the EFF Student Command v Minster of Higher Education and Others, to which the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) was admitted as an amicus. This matter concerned a directive issued by the Minster of Higher Education for the University of South Africa (UNISA) to reduce its first-time student intake for the year 2021. As a result, UNISA accepted only 38 000 students, shy of the anticipated 58 000.
Thursday, 11 March 2021
Today, 11 March 2021, the High Court in Pretoria made an order in the matter between the EFF Student Command v Minster of Higher Education and Others, to which the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) was admitted as an amicus. This matter concerned a directive issued by the Minster of Higher Education for the University of South Africa (UNISA) to reduce its first-time student intake for the year 2021. As a result, UNISA accepted only 38 000 students, shy of the anticipated 58 000.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 08 March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (“the SAHRC”) is deeply concerned by the recent attacks on non-nationals, which commenced on Sunday 28 February 2021 at the Soldiers Way Market trading precinct / area in the Durban CBD that left several non-nationals including women injured and traumatised. It has also been alleged that members of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) attacked and assaulted non-nationals and petrol -bombed their shops / business in the Durban CBD on Monday 08 March 2021. The SAHRC condemns these on-going violent attacks and the looting and threats on businesses owned by non-nationals in the city.
Monday, 08 March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (“the SAHRC”) is deeply concerned by the recent attacks on non-nationals, which commenced on Sunday 28 February 2021 at the Soldiers Way Market trading precinct / area in the Durban CBD that left several non-nationals including women injured and traumatised. It has also been alleged that members of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) attacked and assaulted non-nationals and petrol -bombed their shops / business in the Durban CBD on Monday 08 March 2021. The SAHRC condemns these on-going violent attacks and the looting and threats on businesses owned by non-nationals in the city.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 8th March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has received a number of complaints from prospective TVET College and university students regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These prospective students, and currently enrolled students at institutions of higher learning, have criticised the manner in which NSFAS has handled their applications for financial aid. Further, the complaints also deal with the accessibility and flaws in NSFAS’ appeal procedures for students who have been rejected by the scheme. The Commission is particularly concerned about the implications on inter alia the right to further education, in terms of section 29(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Monday, 8th March 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has received a number of complaints from prospective TVET College and university students regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These prospective students, and currently enrolled students at institutions of higher learning, have criticised the manner in which NSFAS has handled their applications for financial aid. Further, the complaints also deal with the accessibility and flaws in NSFAS’ appeal procedures for students who have been rejected by the scheme. The Commission is particularly concerned about the implications on inter alia the right to further education, in terms of section 29(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 8th March 2021
Today, the 8th March 2021, marks International Women’s Day, globally. The United Nations celebrated International Women's Day for the first time in 1975. Then in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. South Africa recognises its National Women’s Day on the 9th August of every year, a commemoration of the historic march, led by women against the oppressive pass laws of the then Apartheid regime.
Monday, 8th March 2021
Today, the 8th March 2021, marks International Women’s Day, globally. The United Nations celebrated International Women's Day for the first time in 1975. Then in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. South Africa recognises its National Women’s Day on the 9th August of every year, a commemoration of the historic march, led by women against the oppressive pass laws of the then Apartheid regime.
Thursday, 4 March 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) has opened an own accord investigation following various complaints, including from the leader of the United Democratic Movement General Bantu Holomisa, against ENCA reporter Lindsay Dentlinger.
Thursday 4 March 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) commends the Competition Commission and various School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on school uniform prices and the procurement thereof on Monday, 01 March 2021. By signing the MOU, the SGBs concerned undertook to inter alia abide by the Undertaking on Best Practice Principles of Procurement which encourages school uniforms to be as generic as possible, enabling parents to have wider options from a number of suppliers. The SGBs also undertook to encourage their affiliates to appoint exclusive suppliers only after a competitive bidding process.
Tuesday, 3 March 2021.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
On the 3rd of March 2021, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) and the Chief Whips Forum held a historic meeting that was the first of its kind.
03 March 2021
The Commissioner responsible for civil and political rights at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Mr. Chris Nissen will be conducting a Provincial Visit in the Gauteng Province from 03 March 2021 until 05 March 2021.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
26 February 2021
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the SAHRC the Gauteng Provincial Office of the Commission has produced a five part podcast series looking at the work of the Commission.
26 February 2021
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the SAHRC the Gauteng Provincial Office of the Commission has produced a five part podcast series looking at the work of the Commission.
25 February 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) has become aware of reports alleging that there is continuous sewage sludge and solid waste flowing from the Pienaars River into the Roodeplaat Dam (“The Dam”).
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) has become aware of reports alleging that there is continuous sewage sludge and solid waste flowing from the Pienaars River into the Roodeplaat Dam (“The Dam”).
Thursday, 25 February 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) notes with concern the recent unsubstantiated comments made by various public figures and political leaders attacking the independence of the judiciary.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) notes with concern the recent unsubstantiated comments made by various public figures and political leaders attacking the independence of the judiciary.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
24 February 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) Eastern Cape provincial office will be monitoring schools in Stutterheim, Lesseyton and in Aliwal North Ward 1 villages (Ndofela, Bikizana, Mboni and Qhimerha), on 25 and 26 February 2021. The Commission will monitor and assess the observance of human rights and compliance of Covid-19 regulations.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
17 February 2021
The Commission will be conducting monitoring of schools and health care facilities in the areas of Nkandla, Melmoth, and Eshowe on the 17th - 18th February 2021. The Commission will be monitoring and assessing the observance of human rights at these facilities, and compliance with relevant legal prescripts regulating such facilities, including compliance with the COVID-19 regulations.
17 February 2021
The Commission will be conducting monitoring of schools and health care facilities in the areas of Nkandla, Melmoth, and Eshowe on the 17th - 18th February 2021. The Commission will be monitoring and assessing the observance of human rights at these facilities, and compliance with relevant legal prescripts regulating such facilities, including compliance with the COVID-19 regulations.
About us
Understanding PAIA
The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)