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Media Statement: SAHRC, Woolworths Proprietary Limited & Guide-Dogs Association South Africa promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 16 April 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office, facilitated a mediation process with Woolworths Proprietary Limited (“Woolworths”) and Guide-Dogs Association South Africa, following an incident, where a visually and hearing impaired patron was denied access to a Woolworths Coffee Shop at the Cascades Shopping Centre in Pietermaritzburg. Whilst this specific incident was dealt with speedily by Woolworths, the SAHRC established that this was not an isolated incident involving Woolworths.
Monday, 16 April 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office, facilitated a mediation process with Woolworths Proprietary Limited (“Woolworths”) and Guide-Dogs Association South Africa, following an incident, where a visually and hearing impaired patron was denied access to a Woolworths Coffee Shop at the Cascades Shopping Centre in Pietermaritzburg. Whilst this specific incident was dealt with speedily by Woolworths, the SAHRC established that this was not an isolated incident involving Woolworths.
The SAHRC engaged with both Woolworths and Guide-Dogs Association South Africa to address the violation with a view to influencing wider reforms, and have been working closely with the parties in order to reach settlement in the matter. Woolworths undertook, amongst other things to train its staff, and review policies and procedures to comply with its obligations under South African law and to sustain sensitisation with a view to promoting and encouraging respect for the rights of persons with disabilities.
The SAHRC acknowledges the willingness of the parties to co-operate in the process, in particular the willingness by private business to abide by principles for the protections of human rights globally. Such steps require not only that business introduces reforms after violations take place, but that the private sector in South Africa actively reviews its operations for the purpose of deepening respect for basic human rights.
Ends
Prepared by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission.
For queries contact the SAHRC’s KZN Provincial Manager, Ms Tanuja Munnoo on
031 – 304 7323 Or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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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.
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