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Johannesburg, Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Attention: Editors

Recent statistics indicate that the majority of complaints received by the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) relate to infringements on the right to Equality, based on racial discrimination. During the 2015/2016 financial year, the Commission received 505 race-related complaints.  This is indicative of the fact that despite the significant achievements over the past 23 years of democracy, deep inequalities and unfair discrimination remain a serious concern.  
Wednesday, 9 February 2017

Media Statement

1. The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) notes the statement released by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
2. In terms of section 184 of the Constitution, the Commission is mandated to monitor, promote and protect the observance of human rights, as set out in the Bill of Rights, in South Africa. The Commission performs this function independently, on behalf of all South Africans without fear or favour.
Wednesday, 8th February 2017
 
The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission), Advocate Bongani Majola and the Commissioner responsible for Basic Education, Advocate Andre Gaum, met with the Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angelina Motshekga, the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mr Enver Surty and Limpopo Province’s Education MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe, this week, in Pretoria, to discuss the delivery of textbooks and stationery in the affected province.
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
 
“The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) re-iterates its deep regret at the grave tragedy that unfolded following the transfer of patients from Life Esidimeni. The Commission notes that this is a matter that requires close attention to avoid a re-occurrence of such a tragedy in future,” said Advocate Bongani Majola, Chairperson of the Commission in response to the statement attributed to the Democratic Alliance (DA).
20 January 2017
 
President Zuma this morning, 20 January 2017, met with the Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Adv Bongani Majola at his Mahlamba Ndlopfu residence in Pretoria.

20 January 2017


ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

The SAHRC has noted with concern the non-delivery of textbooks and learning materials in Limpopo Province.

In 2012, the Pretoria High Court ordered that all prescribed textbooks and learning materials be delivered.

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Following a complaint received from a member of the Mfuleni community about learners who had not been accommodated in schools, and concerned by media reports that thousands of learners had not yet been accommodated in other schools in the Western Cape SAHRC Commissioners Andre Gaum and Chris Nissen met with Western Cape Provincial Education Minister, Ms Debbie Schafer, this morning (17th January 2017).

Thursday 12 January 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission has noted with concern media reports of thousands of children who have not yet been placed in schools in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
MEDIA STATEMENT

Tuesday, 10 January 2017

ATTENTION: EDITORS

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) strongly condemns the desecration of places of worship. Recent incidents of concern in the Western Cape include the placing of a pig’s snout on the gate of Noorul Islam Masjied in Simon’s Town on Saturday morning (7th January 2017) and a further incident at the Masjidul-Jamiah in Kalk Bay on Monday (9th January 2017), where the mosque was splattered with blood and Holy Scriptures damaged.

Attention Editors and Reporters


3 January 2016

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the arrival of the newly appointed Commissioners who have taken office today, 3rd January 2017.

The South African Human Rights Commission and UNICEF launch a report on children’s rights: “Global Goals for Every Child: Progress and Disparities Among Children in South Africa”

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) and UNICEF will release Global Goals for Every Child: progress and Disparities Among Children in South Africa on 14 December 2016. The report speaks to the status of children in South Africa.
09th December 2016

ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has issued a subpoena to Mr Vusi Shongwe, the Member of Executive Council (MEC), Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga, to appear in person before the Commission on Friday, 9 December 2016. This notice to appear before the Commission was issued in terms of section 15 (1) (c) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act, No. 40 of 2013.
09th December 2016

ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) addressed a sitting of the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) in Parliament on the matter between the African Diaspora Forum and Others v His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini, on the 7 December 2016, at Parliament in Cape Town.
09th December 2016

ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

The 10th of December 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the South African Constitution by then President, Nelson Mandela. On this day, the world will commemorate International Human Rights Day, observed annually in remembrance of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by (the newly formed) United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. This proclamation was the first global expression of human rights and is globally recognised as one of the first major achievements of the fledgling UN.
09th December 2016

ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) recognises progress made in addressing historical inequalities in our public universities, however, patterns of systemic exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination continue to persist.
Attention Editors and Reporters

05 December 2016

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes President Jacob Zuma’s appointment of Commissioners to serve with effect from 03 January 2017.
ROUNDTABLE EVENT: 17 NOVEMBER 2016

On 17 November 2016, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), in partnership with the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII), will be hosting a roundtable discussion on budget analysis for advancing socio-economic rights.
17 November 2016

Attention Editors

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) strongly condemns the video recording circulated on social media of a man being put into a coffin by two other men who threaten to set him alight in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
14 November 2016

Attention: Editors

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has instituted proceedings in the Seshego Equality Court (Limpopo) on behalf of a transgendered secondary school learner.  The case arises from allegations of humiliation and harassment based on the gender identity of the learner that created a hostile and intimidating environment.  The proceedings have been instituted to procure relief for alleged unfair discrimination, harassment, and hurtful speech. 

About us

Understanding PAIA

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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