Attention: Editors and Reporters

Thursday, 28 May 2020

After doing some independent monitoring of schools for readiness in all 9 provinces and after consultations with various stakeholders, including teachers’ unions and school governing bodies, the South African Human Rights Commission has written to the Minister of Basic Education, Minister Angie Motshekga, recommending that she reconsiders 01 June 2020 as the date for the return of Grade 7 and Grade 12 learners to school.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

21 May 2020


The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) notes the announcement by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to re-open schools on 1 June 2020, initially for learners in Grades 7 and 12 to start school. The restart of learners in other grades will be announce later and those learner will return to school over time.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

21 May 2020


The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) commends all businesses that have upheld the lockdown regulations in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. The Commission is, however, concerned that certain businesses may be unaware of their human rights obligations under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution).

Attention: Editors and Reporters 

08 May 2020 

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) welcomes the announcement by the President of the decision to place on parole selected categories of sentenced offenders.

8th May 2019

Attention:  Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) will be appearing in the Western Cape High Court, in Cape Town today, the 8th May 2020.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

05 May 2020

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) is deeply concerned with the circumstances around the provision of grants to Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities on the 4^th of May 2020.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Friday, 1 May 2020

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) notes the significance of Worker’s Day, celebrated on the 1^st May in South Africa. The Day should be seen as a celebration and well deserved rest for those who honestly and positively add to society through their economic activity.

Attention: Editors and Reporters 

Wednesday, 29 April 2020 

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) and Mail and Guardian will collaborate in hosting a free webinar on Thursday, the 30^th April 2020, from 13:00 to 14:00 PM at the link below: 

 27 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC) has been made aware of the video clip circulating via social media of a raid conducted by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), on a Mosque near Masibikela, Mpumalanga, which occurred on Friday the 24^th March 2020. 

27 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters 

National Freedom Day is celebrated on the 27^th April in South Africa. The Day marks freedom and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held on the day in 1994. Those elections will always remain in the annals of South African history as the first non-racial national elections where everyone of voting age, from any race group were allowed to vote.

24 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) notes the devastating impact the Corona Virus has had on the global as well as South African economy and society. The SAHRC, along with key international bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), applauds the South African government’s efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 through declaring a National Disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 and implanting a national lockdown.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

24 April 2020

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) emphasises the importance of inclusive decision making platforms, at all levels, for any interventions in the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, in response to COVID-19.

 

21 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The attention of the South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) was drawn to media reports about the demolition of shacks as well as brick and mortar houses in Lawley Extensions 4 and 5, in Gauteng.

19 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) has noted the allegations of ill-treatment of African nationals in China, including the forceful testing, quarantining and other inhuman treatment, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Friday, 17 April 2020

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) is concerned over the spate of attacks and burglaries taking place at schools across the country.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Friday, 17 April 2020

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) continues to monitor the observance of human rights during the implantation of lockdown measures announced by the government in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, due to the COVID-19 virus.

14 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) commends the President of the Republic, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government for making the difficult decision to extend South Africa’ lockdown in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

09 April 2020
ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is aware and is taking action relating to a video circulating on social media in which the Mayor of Matjhabeng, Mr. Nkosinjani Speelman, in the Free State, refers to members of the Coloured community in Bronville, Welkom, using words that are not only offensive but may also negatively touch on their dignity as human beings. The Commission also notes that its Provincial Office in the Free State had called upon the Mayor to apologise.

4 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

UNICEF South Africa has signed a historic agreement with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to advance children’s rights in all spheres of society.

1 April 2020

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The Commissioners and staff of the South African Human Rights Commission are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Gita Ramjee.

The Commission learnt with shock and sadness that Prof. Gita Ramjee passed away in a Durban hospital Tuesday. At the time of her death, Ramjee worked at health care organisation Aurum Institute, which is regarded as a global authority on HIV and TB prevention and eradication. She was Chief Scientific Officer at the Aurum Institute and former chief specialist scientist and director of the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) HIV Prevention Research Unit.