To celebrate this important day the Commission will host a two-day Conference to be held in Midrand to reflect on the Commission’s service to human rights and constitutional democracy over the past 20 years, as well as to consider the obstacles encountered by the Commission in its in its quest to promote, protect and monitor human rights in the country.
 
For the thematic segment of the Conference, the Commission has chosen to focus on the current scourge of racism in South Africa.  The rationale for the choice of the theme was triggered by a sudden spike in racism-related complaints lodged with the Commission in the month of January, 2016.  These complaints related mainly to allegations of racism perpetuated mainly through the use of social media.
 
This Conference will examine this social problem and provide an opportune platform for open, frank and honest acknowledging the progress made towards building a non-racial South Africa, whilst also evaluating the efficacy of the policies, programmes and practices put in place to eliminate racism and related intolerance in South Africa.
 
The expected speakers include former President Thabo Mbeki, Speaker of the National Assembly (there is no speaker of Parliament) Ms Baleka Mbete, DoJ Minister Advocate Michael Masutha, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Dr Mathole Motshekga, SAHRC Chairperson Lourence Mushwana, other SAHRC Commissioners and various delegates from government, private sector and other Chapter 9 institutions.
 
It is hoped that the Conference will assist in the identification of gaps in policy and policy implementation, and emerge with a concrete and actionable set of policy steps and priorities to address race relations in South Africa.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by the SA Human Rights Commission
 
Isaac Mangena
 
Spokesperson
 
0718848273