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Media Advisory: SAHRC Gauteng Provincial Office to conduct an Investigation Inquiry into the Accessibility of Public Transport in Gauteng for People with Disabilities
17 November 2023
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (‘the Commission’) Gauteng Provincial Office is initiating an inquiry into the accessibility of public transport for people with disabilities in Gauteng.
In May 2023, the Gauteng Provincial Office (GPO) received a referral complaint in terms of section 3 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) from the High Court (Johannesburg), sitting as an Equality Court. The complaint alleged that the current environment at railway stations, bus stations, and taxi ranks poses a danger to and is not accessible to commuters with disabilities. The Complainant views the current state of affairs within the public transport system as a form of unfair discrimination on the basis of disability.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (‘the Commission’) Gauteng Provincial Office is initiating an inquiry into the accessibility of public transport for people with disabilities in Gauteng.
In May 2023, the Gauteng Provincial Office (GPO) received a referral complaint in terms of section 3 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) from the High Court (Johannesburg), sitting as an Equality Court. The complaint alleged that the current environment at railway stations, bus stations, and taxi ranks poses a danger to and is not accessible to commuters with disabilities. The Complainant views the current state of affairs within the public transport system as a form of unfair discrimination on the basis of disability.
Taking into consideration the historic challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing public transport and the constitutional imperative to make public transport for all accessible, the Commission is of the view that, on the face of it, the allegations amount to a systemic violation. The Commission intends to approach this investigation in a holistic manner by examining the public transport system with Gauteng and its accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The Commission has therefore deemed it appropriate and in the public interest to conduct its investigation through a formal inquiry, in accordance with sections 13 and 15 of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (‘the SAHRC Act’).
The proceedings will be streamed through Microsoft Teams and the SAHRC aims to issue a report with its directives following the completion of the investigation.
The investigation inquiry is scheduled as follows:
Date: 20-22 November 2023
Time: 09:00-14:00
Place: HYBRID:
The Gauteng Provincial Office, Training Centre.
27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Ms Teams link (upon request).
Ends
For further information contact the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission: Kelly-Anne Cleophas, Senior Legal Officer, 072 258 7131; E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Bongiwe Gumede 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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