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Media Advisory: Call for Submissions in respect of the Commission’s Investigation into Violence, Discrimination, and Abuse in private establishments

Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday, 04 April 2025

The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC/the Commission) Gauteng Provincial Office (GPO) confirms that it has received and is investigating complaints concerning incidents of violence, discrimination, and abuse at private establishments. Private establishments include corporates and business organisations, religious and faith institutions, night clubs and other entertainment establishments, and sport clubs.

As a state institution established to support constitutional democracy under Section 181(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Commission is tasked with protecting and promoting human rights within South Africa. The Commission is empowered by the South African Human Rights Commission Act, 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), to investigate allegations of human rights violations by natural or juristic persons, mediate where appropriate, and litigate when necessary.

In line with its Constitutional mandate to ensure the realisation of human rights, the Commission initiated an own accord investigation following the widely distributed video of an incident which took place at a night club in Pretoria depicting extreme violence, torture, sexual abuse, and inhumane treatment allegedly perpetrated by the club's bouncers. The Commission further released a media statement calling on people who have been affected by similar incidents to approach the Commission.

In response to the complaints received, the Commission has initiated an investigation into the matter. The primary objectives of the investigation are:

  • Determine the frequency, types, and severity of violence and abuse occurring within private establishments
  • Examine organisational structures, culture, policies, and practices to uncover any systemic issues that may facilitate or fail to prevent abuse
  • Assess the effectiveness of existing internal channels and sector self-regulatory mechanisms for reporting abuse and the responsiveness of authorities and organisations in addressing such reports
  • Assess mechanisms in place for victims to receive appropriate support and redress
  • Propose strategies and interventions to prevent future incidents of violence and abuse, including policy reforms, enhanced training, and improved reporting systems
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • WhatsApp: 082 059 6520
  • Telephone: 011 877 3751
  • Hand Delivery: Gauteng Provincial Office, Sentinel House, Fourth Floor, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown

The public is requested to submit this information by 22 April 2025.

Please note that all personal information will be protected in line with applicable privacy legislation, and each submission will be carefully assessed.

END

For further information or inquiries, please contact: Zamantungwa Mbeki, Gauteng Provincial Manager: 0837206600, Email: 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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