The visit to KwaZulu-Natal further aims to strengthen relationships with stakeholders; liaison with the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government and local municipalities, particularly on harmful traditional practices (gender); service delivery; persons deprived of their liberty due to a disability or a court order and the provision of social services regarding child headed households, children and youth care centres and vulnerable group (older persons) as well the relationship between business and human rights in farming communities.
The Commission is embarking on a number of activities and interventions to commemorate human rights month aimed at intensifying the promotion, protection and monitoring the observance of human rights to strengthen constitutional democracy as mandated by Chapter 9, section 181(1)(b) of the Constitution.
The week-long activities will be undertaken as follows:
|
Date |
Activity |
Purpose |
Desired outcome |
|
Monday, 17 March |
Visit to social and health care service centres |
The visit is predicated on previous and ongoing monitoring activities in the province.
|
The visit will be aimed at monitoring with the view to (re)inform the subsequent meetings with the executive authority in the province. |
|
Tuesday, 18 March
18 – 23 March |
Visit to Westville Correctional Centre
Time of the Writer: Imagination, Freedom & Accountability |
The visit aims to assess detention conditions and the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, in line with the NPM’s mandate.
The 28th edition of the Time of the Writer Festival, themed Imagination, Freedom, and Accountability. |
To strengthen the protection of persons deprived of their liberty through dialogue and engagement with authorities, while providing OPCAT-aligned recommendations.
Experience inspiring conversations, thought-provoking panels, and creative storytelling with renowned authors. Explore the boundless power of words at this premier literary event. Discover, engage, and imagine a brighter future. |
|
Wednesday, 19 March |
Interaction with farming communities in Pietermaritzburg and Msinga areas.
|
These engagements are predicated on challenges facing farming communities and farm workers, including land dispossession; the deprivation of services such as adequate housing and electricity; and unfair labour practices. |
These visits seek to understand the extent of human rights violations in farms, identify areas of urgent concern; devise an informed strategy in alleviating the plight of farming communities and farm workers; and advocate for human rights-centred interventions where business intersects with human rights. |
|
Thursday, 20 March |
Commission will meet with various members of the Provincial Executive, including, but not limited to, the MECs of Health; Education; Social Development; Agriculture and Rural Development; and Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
|
In the main, these meetings are aimed at briefing the Executive regarding observations made by the Commission throughout the week; to bring to the attention of the Executive matters requiring their urgent consideration and resolve; but also, to strengthen relations with the Executive, and explore areas of mutual interest. |
To resolve urgent matters arising from the monitoring; and to strengthen relationships with the executive |
|
Friday, 21 March |
Sigiya NgeNgoma Competition, Curries Fountain Stadium, 24 Winterton Walk |
Deliver message of support at the Sigiya NgeNgoma Competition |
Deliver human rights message at the competition. |
ENDS
For further information, Mr Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Given Makhuvele @ 082 773 4428/ 072 1977 581 (WhatsApp) email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.