Transforming Society
Securing Rights
Restoring Dignity
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.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
In October 2016, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was alerted through media reports of a social media post from Mr Tlou Molele, a mathematics teacher at Northern Academy in Polokwane in which he stated, amongst others that white people will “die inferior” and are “Genetic errors”.
22 October 16
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) notes with concern the South African government’s decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The withdrawal notice has been submitted on the 19th October 2016, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with Article 127(1) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Thursday, 13 October 16
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC, the Commission) notes with concern the growing intensity of student protests and related action at various universities across the country.
Whilst the protests point to underlying and systemic factors that require urgent resolution, the Commission urges all stakeholders to commit to and undertake these efforts in an environment where the best possible outcomes are more likely. Without detracting from or diminishing in anyway the powerful significance of peaceful protest in our country, the Commission condemns protest related action which is destructive and which impacts adversely on others inside and outside universities. The right to protest should not be exercised with disregard for other rights, such the right to dignity (Section 10), the right to life (Section 11), the right to property (Section 25) and the right to security of the person (Section 12) within the framework of the respect for the rule of law.
Friday, September 30, 2016
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) notes with grave concern, the death of 36 patients who were among the 1300 patients transferred from Life Esidimeni (Esidimeni) to various NGOs. The Commission expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and friends of those who passed away.
Click here to read the full statement
MEDIA INVITE: SAHRC LAUNCHES REPORT ON COMPLAINTS AGAINST KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Thursday, September 29, 2016
[Media briefing on 30 September, 9.30 am; SAHRC National Office; 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein]
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has finalised its much anticipated report into the 31 complaints lodged against the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini (King) for comments attributed to him at a moral regeneration event in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal on or about the 15th March 2015.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the decision by the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, not to allow Pastor Steven Anderson into South Africa as a demonstration of political commitment in the quest to take forward South Africa’s commitment to Resolution 275 by the African Commission, and the provisions of the South African Constitution.
SAHRC REPORT
National Investigative Hearing into the Impact of Protest-related
Action on the Right to a Basic Education in South Africa
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) will release a report arising from its National Investigative Hearing into the Impact of Protest-related Action on the Right to a Basic Education in South Africa on 15th September 2016.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) applauds the ruling by the Constitutional Court in the matter of University of Stellenbosch Legal Aid Clinic and Others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others and other related matters to declare that judicial oversight in the granting of emoluments attachment orders (EAO) is a necessary prerequisite.
Attention Editors:
On Tuesday, 13 September 2016 at 10h00 the Constitutional Court will hand down judgment in University of Stellenbosch Legal Aid Clinic and Others v The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others CCT 127/15. The South African Human Rights Commission has participated as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the matter.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will be hosting a two day National Hearing on the 13th – 14th September 2016 to address the Underlying Socio-economic Challenges of Mining-Affected Communities in the country.
07th September 2016
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has noted with concern the allegations of marginalisation and discriminatory treatment of Black female learners at Pretoria High School for Girls, the Sans Souci High School in Cape Town, Saint Michael's School for Girls (SMS) in Bloemfontein, as well as other incidents and allegations emanating from other schools since.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
On the 26th of August 2016 at 09h00 Commissioner Dr. Danny Titus of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will present to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The 9th August 2016 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1956 women’s anti-pass march in Pretoria. National Women’s Day has been set aside to reflect on the courage and commitment of the women of 1956, but also to reflect on women’s empowerment and gender equality in South Africa.
Attention: Editor and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission has finalised a complaint lodged against the South African Broadcasting Authority by Die Afrikanerbond lodged on 29th June 2016.
Chairperson of the SAHRC, Adv Lourence Mushwana sends an urgent letter to Honourable Minister M Gigaba, Department of Home Affairs, requesting a detailed report from the Department on its response to the proposed entry into South Africa by Pastor Steven Anderson
27th July 2016
Attention: Editor and Reporters
The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Advocate Lourence Mushwana has sent an urgent letter to Honourable Minister M Gigaba, Department of Home Affairs, raising concerns about the Department’s position on the proposed entry into South Africa by Pastor Steven Anderson.
Chairperson of the SAHRC, Adv Lourence Mushwana sends a letter of concern to Honourable Minister M E Nkoana-Mashabane, Department of International Relations and Cooperation as the SAHRC commemorates International Justice Day on 17th June 2016
Attention: Editors and Reporters
17th July 2016
The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Advocate Lourence Mushwana has sent a letter of concern to Honourable Minister M E Nkoana-Mashabane, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, raising concerns about:
MEDIA INVITE: SAHRC hosts a four-day provincial visit in the Western Cape
July 11, 16
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission will be hosting a four-day provincial visit by Adv. Bokankatla Joseph Malatji from 11th – 14th July 2016 in the Western Cape.
19th June 2016
The 20th June 2016 marks the 16th anniversary of world refugee day, a day that has been set aside to reflect on the plight of refugees and asylum seekers around the world. For this year’s commemoration of World Refugee Day, the Secretary General of the United Nations has called on everyone to “recall our common humanity, celebrate tolerance and diversity and open our hearts to refugees everywhere."
The South African Human Rights Commission.
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.
Braampark Forum 3, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)
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