As part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate under section 184(1) of the Constitution, Commissioner Makoasha will lead a series of engagements and interventions aimed at promoting, protecting, and monitoring the observance of human rights, thereby strengthening constitutional democracy. The visit is also informed by access to healthcare systemic complaints received by the SAHRC’s Free State Provincial Office.

The programme is designed to strengthen stakeholder relations and enhance collaboration with the Free State Provincial Government. It will include engagements with provincial authorities as well as monitoring visits to healthcare facilities across the province, including Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.

The visit to Pelonomi Hospital follows an inspection conducted by the Commission on 23 May 2025 in response to complaints regarding healthcare conditions and service delivery at the facility. During that inspection, Commissioner Henk Boshoff and officials from the SAHRC Free State Provincial Office identified several serious human rights concerns, including overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, critical staff shortages, and the lack of adequate mental healthcare facilities.

In addition, Commissioner Makoasha and officials from the Provincial Office will meet with the Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature, Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana. The engagement will focus on reinforcing the Legislature’s oversight role and exploring opportunities for greater collaboration between the Commission and the Provincial Legislature.

The Commission will also present systemic issues highlighted in its various inquiry reports, monitoring, and complaints to discuss the findings and recommendations arising from those investigations, monitoring, and complaints

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ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION