Transforming Society
Securing Rights
Restoring Dignity
15 JUNE 2018
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 55/76 decided that, from 20 June 2001 would be celebrated as World Refugee Day. Accordingly, the SAHRC WC Provincial Office in partnership with the UCT Refugee Rights Unit and the UNHCR will commemorate this significant day on the International calendar.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 55/76 decided that, from 20 June 2001 would be celebrated as World Refugee Day. Accordingly, the SAHRC WC Provincial Office in partnership with the UCT Refugee Rights Unit and the UNHCR will commemorate this significant day on the International calendar.
Attention Editors and Reporters
15th June 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC) joins in the commemoration of Youth Day, observed every year on the 16th June. The commemorated events that took place 42 years ago, marked a major turning point in the fight against Apartheid. The events of this day during 1976, put our youth at the centre of ensuring that Apartheid was dismantled and that various rights including language rights, the right to education and equal participation were respected for all South Africans.
15th June 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC) joins in the commemoration of Youth Day, observed every year on the 16th June. The commemorated events that took place 42 years ago, marked a major turning point in the fight against Apartheid. The events of this day during 1976, put our youth at the centre of ensuring that Apartheid was dismantled and that various rights including language rights, the right to education and equal participation were respected for all South Africans.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
13 June 2018
In 2014 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring 13 June as “International Albinism Awareness Day.” This resolution confirmed the global focus on albinism and encourages everyone to celebrate and promote albinism awareness.
13 June 2018
In 2014 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring 13 June as “International Albinism Awareness Day.” This resolution confirmed the global focus on albinism and encourages everyone to celebrate and promote albinism awareness.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
13 June 2018
On 31 May 2018 hundreds of workers employed by Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital embarked on protest action over unpaid performance bonuses which left the hospital in a chaotic and dishevelled state. This protest action led to a shutdown of the facility. Reports indicate that the protest action severely disrupted the operations of the Hospital, which had a negative impact on the provision of health services to many of the hospital users.
13 June 2018
On 31 May 2018 hundreds of workers employed by Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital embarked on protest action over unpaid performance bonuses which left the hospital in a chaotic and dishevelled state. This protest action led to a shutdown of the facility. Reports indicate that the protest action severely disrupted the operations of the Hospital, which had a negative impact on the provision of health services to many of the hospital users.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Wednesday, 12 June 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) has noted with alarm news reports of last week’s the burning of Thabana Senior Secondary and Siyathokoza Senior School in Mpumalanga as well as Tiang Primary School North-West Province. The Commission has further noted calls by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Angie Motshekga, that harsher penalties to be meted out against persons found guilty of damaging school property.
Wednesday, 12 June 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) has noted with alarm news reports of last week’s the burning of Thabana Senior Secondary and Siyathokoza Senior School in Mpumalanga as well as Tiang Primary School North-West Province. The Commission has further noted calls by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Angie Motshekga, that harsher penalties to be meted out against persons found guilty of damaging school property.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
07 June 2018
The Commission is pleased to note the progress made by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health in implementing the Commission’s recommendations as set out in its Investigative Hearing Report on the State of Oncology in KwaZulu-Natal. This is because of the positive developments observed since the 14th May 2018 subpoena hearing in which the Commission had summoned the MEC, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to come and explain the slow progress in implementing the recommendations.
07 June 2018
The Commission is pleased to note the progress made by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health in implementing the Commission’s recommendations as set out in its Investigative Hearing Report on the State of Oncology in KwaZulu-Natal. This is because of the positive developments observed since the 14th May 2018 subpoena hearing in which the Commission had summoned the MEC, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to come and explain the slow progress in implementing the recommendations.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
06 June 2018
In May 2018, the South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) initiated an investigation at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital following several reports alleging that there was a shortage of radiation oncologists at the hospital’s oncology ward, a breakdown of vital cancer treatment machines and delays in the provision of health care services to approximately 500 cancer patients who are awaiting radiation treatment.
06 June 2018
In May 2018, the South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) initiated an investigation at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital following several reports alleging that there was a shortage of radiation oncologists at the hospital’s oncology ward, a breakdown of vital cancer treatment machines and delays in the provision of health care services to approximately 500 cancer patients who are awaiting radiation treatment.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
05 June 2018
On Wednesday, 06 June 2018 the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission (“The Commission”) will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Midvaal Local Municipality (“Midvaal”). This Memorandum of Understanding seeks to ensure that Midvaal’s administrative actions, planning and decisions are guided by the Constitution and are aligned to human rights principles.
05 June 2018
On Wednesday, 06 June 2018 the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission (“The Commission”) will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Midvaal Local Municipality (“Midvaal”). This Memorandum of Understanding seeks to ensure that Midvaal’s administrative actions, planning and decisions are guided by the Constitution and are aligned to human rights principles.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
01 June 2018
On 02 May 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (“the commission”) initiated an investigation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital following a media report alleging that the hospital’s oncology ward was under capacitated and on the verge of collapse.There are allegedly about 934 cancer patients who are awaiting radiation treatment at the hospital and the hospital’s failure to recruit an adequate number of staff and repair the broken down machines has resulted in a backlog in terms of patients awaiting treatment. It is in light of these allegations that the Commission has commenced an own initiative investigation in order to test the veracity of the said allegations.
01 June 2018
On 02 May 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (“the commission”) initiated an investigation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital following a media report alleging that the hospital’s oncology ward was under capacitated and on the verge of collapse.There are allegedly about 934 cancer patients who are awaiting radiation treatment at the hospital and the hospital’s failure to recruit an adequate number of staff and repair the broken down machines has resulted in a backlog in terms of patients awaiting treatment. It is in light of these allegations that the Commission has commenced an own initiative investigation in order to test the veracity of the said allegations.
Attention Editors and Reporters
31st May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) condemns the violence and the destruction that took place during protest action at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, today, on the 31st May 2018. It is understood that doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters are demanding that the Gauteng Department of Health pay out performance bonuses owed to them for the 2016-17 financial year.
31st May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) condemns the violence and the destruction that took place during protest action at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, today, on the 31st May 2018. It is understood that doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters are demanding that the Gauteng Department of Health pay out performance bonuses owed to them for the 2016-17 financial year.
25 MAY 2018
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will host the following interventions in commemoration of Child Protection Week (CPW):
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will host the following interventions in commemoration of Child Protection Week (CPW):
Attention: Editors and Reporters
25 May 2018
The Eastern Cape Provincial Office will be embarking on a Child Friendly Campaign by visiting two Child and Youth Centre’s in the Province. During the campaign, the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) will be promoting its Child Friendly Complaints Handling Procedures (CFCHP). The campaign is also meant to empower children with information that shall enable them to identify human rights violations and report such directly to the Commission.
25 May 2018
The Eastern Cape Provincial Office will be embarking on a Child Friendly Campaign by visiting two Child and Youth Centre’s in the Province. During the campaign, the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) will be promoting its Child Friendly Complaints Handling Procedures (CFCHP). The campaign is also meant to empower children with information that shall enable them to identify human rights violations and report such directly to the Commission.
Attention Editors and Reporters
25th May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) is deeply concerned by the The State of Local Government and Financial Management 2017 report, released on Wednesday 23 May 2018, by Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu. In the view of the Commission, there is a direct link between billions being lost through irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure by those tasked with managing the finances of municipalities and the lack of service delivery which in turn inhibits and infringes on rights of access to socio-economic rights of many South Africans, and has ignited so many violent and destructive protests.
25th May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) is deeply concerned by the The State of Local Government and Financial Management 2017 report, released on Wednesday 23 May 2018, by Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu. In the view of the Commission, there is a direct link between billions being lost through irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure by those tasked with managing the finances of municipalities and the lack of service delivery which in turn inhibits and infringes on rights of access to socio-economic rights of many South Africans, and has ignited so many violent and destructive protests.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
24 May 2018
The Mpumalanga Provincial Office will be embarking on the Child Protection Week campaign by visiting five schools in the province. During the campaign, the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) will be promoting its Child Friendly Complaints Handling Procedures (CFCHP). The campaign is also meant to empower children with information that shall enable them to identify human rights threats or violations and report such directly to the Commission.
24 May 2018
The Mpumalanga Provincial Office will be embarking on the Child Protection Week campaign by visiting five schools in the province. During the campaign, the South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) will be promoting its Child Friendly Complaints Handling Procedures (CFCHP). The campaign is also meant to empower children with information that shall enable them to identify human rights threats or violations and report such directly to the Commission.
Attention Editors and Reporters
17th May 2017
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is observed on 17th May and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) rights violations and stimulate interest in SOGIE rights work worldwide. The date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.
17th May 2017
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is observed on 17th May and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) rights violations and stimulate interest in SOGIE rights work worldwide. The date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.
Attention: Editors and Media
15 May 2018
On 09 April 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC) initiated an investigation at Tembisa Hospital following media reports of patients being subjected to inhumane treatment at the hands of hospital staff. Arising allegations indicate that the provision of healthcare services at the hospital have been substandard. At the crux of the investigation are allegations that patients are made to sleep on the floor, there are unreasonable delays in providing healthcare services, there is a shortage of medication and qualified staff and patients are ill-treated.
15 May 2018
On 09 April 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC) initiated an investigation at Tembisa Hospital following media reports of patients being subjected to inhumane treatment at the hands of hospital staff. Arising allegations indicate that the provision of healthcare services at the hospital have been substandard. At the crux of the investigation are allegations that patients are made to sleep on the floor, there are unreasonable delays in providing healthcare services, there is a shortage of medication and qualified staff and patients are ill-treated.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
11 May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (Gauteng Provincial Office) has initiated Equality Court proceedings against Springs farm owner and his family. On 9th December 2017, the family allegedly forced an employee to drink litres of faecal matter before attempting to drown him in a septic tank on their farm. It is alleged that the farm in question has been the site of continuous human rights violations.
11 May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (Gauteng Provincial Office) has initiated Equality Court proceedings against Springs farm owner and his family. On 9th December 2017, the family allegedly forced an employee to drink litres of faecal matter before attempting to drown him in a septic tank on their farm. It is alleged that the farm in question has been the site of continuous human rights violations.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday 11 May 2018
The MEC of Health for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Hon. Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will appear before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC, the Commission) at a hearing on the oncology crisis in KZN. The Hearing is scheduled for 14 May 2018 at 10h00 at the Commission’s Head office in Braamfontein.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday, 11 May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) strongly condemns the gruesome attack and acts of arson which took place on Thursday, 10 May 2018 at a mosque in Verulam in the KwaZulu Natal Province in which a man was killed and two others badly injured. The Commission is dismayed at these actions which display a flagrant disregard for constitutionally enshrined rights to life, dignity and freedom of religion.
Friday, 11 May 2018
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) strongly condemns the gruesome attack and acts of arson which took place on Thursday, 10 May 2018 at a mosque in Verulam in the KwaZulu Natal Province in which a man was killed and two others badly injured. The Commission is dismayed at these actions which display a flagrant disregard for constitutionally enshrined rights to life, dignity and freedom of religion.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
11 May 2018
The SAHRC, DOJ&CD, and ProBono.Org in partnership with stakeholders from government departments and civil society organisations will be hosting an outreach clinic in Verulam. This initiative is designed to inform the community about their rights and responsibilities; to create a platform for the community to engage directly with stakeholders and to provide a free legal advisory desk.
11 May 2018
The SAHRC, DOJ&CD, and ProBono.Org in partnership with stakeholders from government departments and civil society organisations will be hosting an outreach clinic in Verulam. This initiative is designed to inform the community about their rights and responsibilities; to create a platform for the community to engage directly with stakeholders and to provide a free legal advisory desk.
The South African Human Rights Commission.
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About us
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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011 877 3600 (Switchboard)
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