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Media Statement: The Commission convenes a subpoena hearing against Thembisile Hani Local Municipality and its municipal manager

Attention: Editors and Reporters

11 September 2019

The South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) is convening again 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 non-appearance of the Municipal Manager of the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (“Municipality”) on 24 July 2019 and repeated failure of the Municipality to respond to allegations levelled against it by Mr Joseph Sibanyoni (“Mr Sibanyoni”) on 16 November 2018 and Ms Thembi Mahlangu (“Ms Mahlangu”) on 18 January 2019, respectively.

The complaint by Mr Sibanyoni related to lack of adequate water provision to the residents within the jurisdiction of the Municipality, whilst the complaint from Ms Mahlangu related to allegations of illegal evictions by the Municipality without a court order.

Sections 22(a), (d) and (h) of the SAHRC Act provides that that any person who without just cause, refuses or fails to comply with a notice under section 15(1)(c) of the SAHRC Act, or in connection with any investigation does anything which, if such investigation were proceeding in a court of law, would have constituted contempt of court or fails to afford the Commission the necessary assistance referred to in section 4(2) or 13(4) of the SAHRC Act, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.

The subpoena hearing is taking place today, 11 September 2019 at 9am at SAHRC Head Office, Braampark Forum 3, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein. Tel: 011 877 3600 (Switchboard).

Ends

For further information or enquiries, please contact: SAHRC Mpumalanga Provincial Manager, Mr. E Mokonyama (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 073 585 5944).

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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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011 877 3600 (Switchboard)