Transforming Society
Securing Rights
Restoring Dignity
3rd December 2020
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) has taken action agianst Beloftebos Wedding Venue and Others, in the Equality Court, Western Cape Division, in a matter of unfair discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, against same-sex couples.
2 December 2020
In July 2020 the SAHRC Limpopo Provincial Office (LPO) received complaints from several members of the public relating to a social media post made by one Hamilton Mkhothokgo (Respondent), which was widely disseminated. The Respondent was found to make remarks regarding the Vatsonga nation which the SAHRC is convinced constitute hate speech, harassment as well as unfair discrimination based on ethnic and social origin. The remarks included, amongst others, statements referring to offering the lives of the Vatsonga nation as sacrifices to the Covid19 virus, as this specific ethnic group do not bring any value to society.
Tuesday, 1 December 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) commemorates World AIDS Day, with the rest of the global community, today, the 1st December 2020. The 1st December is designated as World AIDS Day every year, since 1988, and dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
Tuesday, 01 December 2020
Following its investigation into the deterioration and current state of the New England Road Landfill Site where several fires have emanated engulfing the city of Pietermaritzburg, the South African Human Rights Commission (“the SAHRC”) has instituted an urgent application in the Pietermaritzburg High Court against the Msunduzi Municipality. The matter has been set down for 11 December 2020 for a Rule Nisi to be considered.
01 December 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) provincial offices are conducting a week-long interprovincial cross-border roadshow to monitor the observance of human rights which will also serve to share and popularise its constitutional mandate.
01 December 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Free State Provincial Offices will jointly host/ conduct an inter-provincial cross boarder roadshow in the three provinces from the 30 November – 5 December 2020.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
30 November 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) provincial offices will conduct a week-long interprovincial cross-border roadshow to monitor the observance of human rights which will also serve to share and popularise its constitutional mandate.
29 November 2020
The South Africa Human Rights Commission (Gauteng Provincial Office), will conduct a follow up inspection of the Wasterwater and Water Treatment Plants in the City of Tshwane in order to assess progress made to resolve the drinking water quality issues in the Hammanskraal area. This visit forms part of the Commission’s week long cross-border roadshows which seek to improve the visibility and accessibility of the Commission and to strengthen public participation in human rights issues.
26 November 2020
On 7 February 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution officially designating 25 November as the International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and in doing so, inviting governments, international organisations as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to cooperate in the organisation of activities designed to raise public awareness about gender based violence (GBV). Additionally, 25 November is a significant day as it marks the commencement of the globally observed 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The SAHRC KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office will conduct Human Rights Champions’ Training in Dundee, Endumeni Municipality. The training will target all Ward Committee Members and Civil Society within the municipal boundaries of Endumeni Local Municipality.
25 November 2020
The SAHRC Limpopo provincial office will be conducting a provincial hearing into the status of sewage and pollution challenges within Mookgophong on the 26th and 27th of November 2020. The SAHRC has received several complaints against the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality relating to the alleged mismanagement of sewerage within the area.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
On Tuesday, 24 November 2020, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) will conduct a Press Briefing at its Western Cape Office, in Cape Town, on the circumstances around Brackenfell High and the Commissions interventions therein.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
As the world celebrates World Children’s Day, today being Friday, the 20th November 2020, we reflect on the strides we have taken as a country to advance children’s rights. South Africa specifically provides for the rights of children in the bill of rights in its progressive Constitution. It is a signatory to regional and international instruments that promote and protect the rights of all children.
Thursday, 19 November 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) has noted that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will be staging a protest outside Brackenfell High School, in the Western Cape, on Friday, the 20th November 2020. The Commission and its monitors will also be monitoring events tomorrow.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
On Thursday, 19 November 2020, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) will visit Sibanye-Stillwater, Lebanon Division, in Carletonville to meet with ex-mineworkers and their dependants. This visit follows reports that some of the mineworkers did not receive compensation for silicosis and TB after a settlement was reached with mining companies.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The North West Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) will provide human rights monitoring training to community advice offices affiliated to the Community Advice Offices South Africa (CAOSA) in the North West Province.
17 November 2020
The SAHRC Limpopo Provincial Office will be conducting a provincial hearing into the status of schools for learners with special needs. The SAHRC has received an increase in complaints relating to the right to basic education of learners with special needs, and the alleged unresponsiveness of the Department of Education in Limpopo in respect of addressing the challenges these schools experience.
16 November 2020
On the 11 of December 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office conducted a strategic stakeholder engagement with the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) on one of the Commissions thematic area, business and human rights. Through the engagement a number of issues and challenges were ventilated with the Commission, amongst others: human rights violations at Mona Market in KwaNongoma; i.e. allegations of rape; unsafe environment; lack of street lights; lack of visible policing in the area; allegations that some traders were sleeping at the market etc.
12 NOVEMBER 2020
On 11 November 2020, the South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) convened a subpoena hearing in terms of section 15(1)(c) and (d) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (“SAHRC Act”), following the failure of Mr B.M. Mhlanga (“Mr Mhlanga”), the Administrator of Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality (“Municipality”), to respond to allegations levelled against the Municipality relating to water shortages at Loding.
Thursday, 12 November 2020
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) is deeply saddened by the passing of Thembekile Kimi Makwetu, the Auditor-General of South Africa, on Wednesday, the 11th November 2020. His term as Auditor-General of South Africa, commenced on the 1st December 2013 and was to end on the 30th November 2020.
The South African Human Rights Commission.
About us
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.
Braampark Forum 3, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)
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