The policy brief argues that infrastructure vandalism and metals theft cannot be understood only as criminal activity or economic loss. When electricity infrastructure is damaged, rail networks are compromised or public facilities lose essential services, the consequences are experienced directly by communities through the disruption of constitutionally protected rights and essential public services.

The Commission’s own work has repeatedly encountered these consequences. In June 2026, for example, OR Tambo District Municipality informed the SAHRC that vandalism and copper theft were significant contributors to the deterioration of water infrastructure and continuing interruptions to water services.

The brief examines the existing criminal, regulatory and enforcement framework and calls for stronger coordination, improved regulation of the scrap-metal value chain, greater focus on organised networks and receiving dealers, human-rights due diligence by businesses, and clearer accountability for the protection and restoration of essential infrastructure.

The Commission notes recent government announcements concerning further reform of the Second-Hand Goods regulatory framework. These developments do not diminish the need for the intervention; rather, they reinforce the importance of moving from policy announcements to finalised regulation, implementation and effective enforcement. The launch will bring together representatives of municipalities, government departments, the provincial legislature and other stakeholders to consider the human-rights implications of infrastructure vandalism and the practical measures required to protect affected communities.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday, 21 September 2026
Time: 10h00–12h00
Platform: Microsoft Teams

The session will include remarks by SAHRC Chairperson Rev Chris Nissen, a substantive presentation by Commissioner Adv Sandra Makoasha, and closing remarks by Commissioner Dr Henk Boshoff.

Members of the public who wish to attend the launch may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register their interest and receive the Microsoft Teams link.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION