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Media Statement: SAHRC Welcomes the launch of Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative but laments the appeal against the #fixthenorms Judgment
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) welcomes the launch of the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, by the President today. President Ramaphosa made a strong statement on the 14th August 2018, about the human consequence of service delivery that is deferred, derailed, delayed or denied, particularly to the most vulnerable people in our society. He called for a sustained focus on the implementation of plans and that we pay attention to “that which we are supposed to do”. The Commission supports this statement as the delays and denials referred to above rob, especially the most vulnerable, of their constitutionally entrenched, socio-economic rights.
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) welcomes the launch of the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, by the President today. President Ramaphosa made a strong statement on the 14th August 2018, about the human consequence of service delivery that is deferred, derailed, delayed or denied, particularly to the most vulnerable people in our society. He called for a sustained focus on the implementation of plans and that we pay attention to “that which we are supposed to do”. The Commission supports this statement as the delays and denials referred to above rob, especially the most vulnerable, of their constitutionally entrenched, socio-economic rights.
The Commission also supports the President’s call for the country to act with purpose, urgency and unity in delivering on its responsibilities and securing the rights of learners across the country.
The Commission, therefore, laments the decision of the Department of Basic Education to appeal against the recent Bisho High Court ruling, which confirms the responsibility of Government to deliver on its plans, and act in light of the principles of accountability and transparency. That judgment marked a significant milestone in confirming the essential nature of infrastructure as a component of the right to a basic education. On this basis, the Commission, calls upon the Department to withdraw its appeal against this judgement and rather use the related resources towards the furtherance of the SAFE initiative.
We regret that the SAFE initiative has come after a long battle to secure a safe environment capable of promoting dignity, health, equality and access to a quality basic education, for learners. The Commission hopes that this initiative will go a long way in finally securing one of the most fundamental rights of learners in schools.
The Commission will be meeting with the Honourable Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, on Friday, the 17th August 2018, and shall continue to treat this matter with the utmost urgency.
Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 0609883792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 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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