From thirty-two member states in 1963, the membership of the organisation increased to fifty-three in 1994, when South Africa joined. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was the precursor to today’s African Union (AU).

This year’s Africa Month is celebrated under the theme: “The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: in the year of Charlotte Maxeke”.

With arts, culture and heritage being dependent on numerous human rights, freedom of expression key amongst these, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) emphasises the importance of upholding and protecting these fundamental human rights.

The ability to speak freely and express ourselves, celebrate our united African heritage, particularly now, during the most severe global pandemic in more than a century, is essential in drawing attention to the plight of ordinary people on the Continent.

The Commission understands that the ability to share in our common African heritage and celebrate our diverse cultures across the continent will foster greater social cohesion within South Africa. Sadly incidents of xenophobia, particularly directed towards fellow Africans, continue to be a scourge within South Africa, with the businesses and residences of non-nationals being targeted in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The SAHRC continues to condemn these incidents and is investigating the most recent ones.

The Commission calls for greater efforts to be made toward greater social cohesion and an end to discrimination based on social origin to end xenophobia, fifty eight years after the formation of Africa’s joint stance against oppression.


Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.