Transforming Society
Securing Rights
Restoring Dignity
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Monday, 9 August 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or Commission) joins the rest of South African society in remembering and honouring women’s struggles on this 65th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in 1956. We pay tribute to the collective spirit of the heroines of the women’s movement who, in their diversity, united in solidarity and were prepared to pay the ultimate price in the quest for substantive gender equality. This year’s National Women’s Day is of special significance as it is the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of struggle stalwart and human rights pioneer, Charlotte Maxeke. It is also the 25th anniversary of the country’s Constitution, whose very recognition of women’s rights as human rights is a manifestation of the gains of women’s historical claims and demands for equality.
Monday, 9 August 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or Commission) joins the rest of South African society in remembering and honouring women’s struggles on this 65th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in 1956. We pay tribute to the collective spirit of the heroines of the women’s movement who, in their diversity, united in solidarity and were prepared to pay the ultimate price in the quest for substantive gender equality. This year’s National Women’s Day is of special significance as it is the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of struggle stalwart and human rights pioneer, Charlotte Maxeke. It is also the 25th anniversary of the country’s Constitution, whose very recognition of women’s rights as human rights is a manifestation of the gains of women’s historical claims and demands for equality.
6 August 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission), has resolved to probe the unrest which occurred in KZN and Gauteng during July 2021, following its unequivocal condemnation of the violence and unlawful conduct which ensued during the unrest. The SAHRC reiterates State responsibility in terms of Section 7 of the Constitution to “respect, promote and fulfil” all the rights in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. These rights include – but are not limited to - equality, human dignity, freedom and security of the person, freedom of movement and residence, freedom of trade, occupation and profession, and various socio-economic rights such as housing, health care, food, water, and education.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission), has resolved to probe the unrest which occurred in KZN and Gauteng during July 2021, following its unequivocal condemnation of the violence and unlawful conduct which ensued during the unrest. The SAHRC reiterates State responsibility in terms of Section 7 of the Constitution to “respect, promote and fulfil” all the rights in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. These rights include – but are not limited to - equality, human dignity, freedom and security of the person, freedom of movement and residence, freedom of trade, occupation and profession, and various socio-economic rights such as housing, health care, food, water, and education.
3 August 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) welcomes the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the matter of Qwelane v South African Human Rights Commission and Another [2021] ZACC 22, which was handed down by the apex court on Friday, 30 July 2021. The seminal judgment, which brings an end to protracted proceedings that commenced thirteen years ago, brings much-anticipated legal certainty in the sphere of hate speech.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) welcomes the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the matter of Qwelane v South African Human Rights Commission and Another [2021] ZACC 22, which was handed down by the apex court on Friday, 30 July 2021. The seminal judgment, which brings an end to protracted proceedings that commenced thirteen years ago, brings much-anticipated legal certainty in the sphere of hate speech.
29 July 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Bondev Property Management Company (Bondev) met today and concluded a round of fruitful talks over a circular issued concerning the COVID-19 vaccination programme at Midstream Estate Barracks (estate) in the City of Ekurhuleni.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Bondev Property Management Company (Bondev) met today and concluded a round of fruitful talks over a circular issued concerning the COVID-19 vaccination programme at Midstream Estate Barracks (estate) in the City of Ekurhuleni.
27 July 2021
The issue of riots, crime, and violence in South Africa is a growing concern as it presents a significant obstacle to human rights and respect for the rule of law in the country. Where there is unrest and violence in the country it goes without saying that human rights violations are present, if not rife. The recent looting and destruction were unparalleled and must be condemned in the strongest terms. They, however, demonstrate that crime and violence remain a disease in our society that must be cured in order for the country to pursue the visions of a country united in diversity.
The issue of riots, crime, and violence in South Africa is a growing concern as it presents a significant obstacle to human rights and respect for the rule of law in the country. Where there is unrest and violence in the country it goes without saying that human rights violations are present, if not rife. The recent looting and destruction were unparalleled and must be condemned in the strongest terms. They, however, demonstrate that crime and violence remain a disease in our society that must be cured in order for the country to pursue the visions of a country united in diversity.
27 July 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
In July 2020 the SAHRC received a complaint from a member of the public relating to the social media account known as “Tracy Zille”. It appeared from the account that a white woman was making disparaging, racist and harassing comments towards black women in particular.
From a closer inspection, and after an expose in the media, it was reported that the Tracy Zille account was in fact run by one Mr Anthony Mathumba, a local councillor from the Makhado Local Municipality. It was further reported that Mr Mathumba was generating an income from making these disparaging and inflammatory comments online through companies he owned and registered to which social media users were directed.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
In July 2020 the SAHRC received a complaint from a member of the public relating to the social media account known as “Tracy Zille”. It appeared from the account that a white woman was making disparaging, racist and harassing comments towards black women in particular.
From a closer inspection, and after an expose in the media, it was reported that the Tracy Zille account was in fact run by one Mr Anthony Mathumba, a local councillor from the Makhado Local Municipality. It was further reported that Mr Mathumba was generating an income from making these disparaging and inflammatory comments online through companies he owned and registered to which social media users were directed.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
27 JULY 2021
Over the years, the Commission has received and investigated service delivery complaints against various local municipalities in Mpumalanga. The issues raised in the various complaints included the failure by municipalities to provide water and housing, sewage spillages, sewage treatment challenges, electricity outages, non-collection of refuse and potholes on the roads.
27 JULY 2021
Over the years, the Commission has received and investigated service delivery complaints against various local municipalities in Mpumalanga. The issues raised in the various complaints included the failure by municipalities to provide water and housing, sewage spillages, sewage treatment challenges, electricity outages, non-collection of refuse and potholes on the roads.
27 July 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
Following complaints of racism raised during peaceful protests on Monday, 31 May 2021, the SAHRC initiated an investigation into the environment and pupil’s experiences at Cornwall Hill College.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
Following complaints of racism raised during peaceful protests on Monday, 31 May 2021, the SAHRC initiated an investigation into the environment and pupil’s experiences at Cornwall Hill College.
Attention Editors and Reporters
22 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) has noted, with shock and sadness, reports on the on-going taxi violence that is taking place in the Western Cape, particularly in the Cape Town Metropolitan area. The Commission is concerned and appeals for tolerance in the midst of the escalating violence between the two Taxi Associations (CODETA and CATA) which also directly impacts on the safety, livelihood and lives of communities, commuters and the general public. Such conduct is extremely concerning, particularly given that it is impacting communities that already face great hardship amidst the current restrictions related to the COVID 19 pandemic, and resultant economic downturn. The Commission therefore strongly urges all parties to continue with engagements aimed at finding common ground and a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
22 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) has noted, with shock and sadness, reports on the on-going taxi violence that is taking place in the Western Cape, particularly in the Cape Town Metropolitan area. The Commission is concerned and appeals for tolerance in the midst of the escalating violence between the two Taxi Associations (CODETA and CATA) which also directly impacts on the safety, livelihood and lives of communities, commuters and the general public. Such conduct is extremely concerning, particularly given that it is impacting communities that already face great hardship amidst the current restrictions related to the COVID 19 pandemic, and resultant economic downturn. The Commission therefore strongly urges all parties to continue with engagements aimed at finding common ground and a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
20 July 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission), following the widespread violence and looting in parts of South Africa last week, will be hosting a dialogue on Friday, 23rd July 2021, to be followed by a series of stakeholder engagements.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission), following the widespread violence and looting in parts of South Africa last week, will be hosting a dialogue on Friday, 23rd July 2021, to be followed by a series of stakeholder engagements.
Attention Editors and Reporters
20 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has noted, with shock and sadness, reports that the recent riots in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng has resulted in the looting and burning of over 30 schools. This includes schools in Amajuba, Ugu and Pinetown districts, together with education district offices in the two provinces. With schools set to reopen next week, on 26 July 2021, the Commission is concerned that the aftermath of the civil unrest, along with the effects of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, will lead to further learning losses and school drop outs.
20 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has noted, with shock and sadness, reports that the recent riots in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng has resulted in the looting and burning of over 30 schools. This includes schools in Amajuba, Ugu and Pinetown districts, together with education district offices in the two provinces. With schools set to reopen next week, on 26 July 2021, the Commission is concerned that the aftermath of the civil unrest, along with the effects of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, will lead to further learning losses and school drop outs.
Attention Editors and Reporters
16 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) on the eve of Mandela Day, calls on all people within South Africa to recommit themselves to the rule of law.
16 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) on the eve of Mandela Day, calls on all people within South Africa to recommit themselves to the rule of law.
13 July 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) is growing ever more concerned with the escalation of violent protests leading to major damage and loss of property. Protests against the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma continue to erupt across South Africa, with numerous reports of looting, damage to property and violence emerging through social and mainstream media throughout the weekend and continuing well into Tuesday, 13 July 2021.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) is growing ever more concerned with the escalation of violent protests leading to major damage and loss of property. Protests against the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma continue to erupt across South Africa, with numerous reports of looting, damage to property and violence emerging through social and mainstream media throughout the weekend and continuing well into Tuesday, 13 July 2021.
10 July 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) calls for calm and condemns the violence and damage to public and private property that have characterized some of the sporadic protests in various parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is understood that those behind the demonstrations are against the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) calls for calm and condemns the violence and damage to public and private property that have characterized some of the sporadic protests in various parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is understood that those behind the demonstrations are against the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma.
09 July 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) is deeply shocked by reports that the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, which was closed after being gutted by fire in April, has now being looted of copper piping alleged to be worth R30 Million rands. These reports come at a time when the hospital and the Gauteng health care system are still contending with the negative impact that the fire damage has had on the provision of healthcare services to thousands of hospital users. The Commission has since confirmed these reports with the CEO of the hospital and awaits further updates.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) is deeply shocked by reports that the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, which was closed after being gutted by fire in April, has now being looted of copper piping alleged to be worth R30 Million rands. These reports come at a time when the hospital and the Gauteng health care system are still contending with the negative impact that the fire damage has had on the provision of healthcare services to thousands of hospital users. The Commission has since confirmed these reports with the CEO of the hospital and awaits further updates.
Date: Wednesday, 07 July 2021
For immediate release
Attention: Editors/ News desks
The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will this week reveal the outcomes of a joint-investigation launched a little over two years ago on the back of a spate of violent service delivery protests in Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg.
5 July 2021
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (The Commission) has in recent times, noted with grave concerns growing incidents of bullying and violence in schools throughout the country. Bullying can have demoralising effects on learners who are victims as it can impact on their mental wellbeing, physical health, academic performance, self-esteem and relationships with other learners at school and other people in the community. Recently, the country witnessed an incident in Limpopo where a learner committed suicide following the release of a video of her being physically attacked by another learner. It is against this context that the Commission in the Northern Cape Province will be hosting a Dialogue on Bullying and Violence at Schools.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (The Commission) has in recent times, noted with grave concerns growing incidents of bullying and violence in schools throughout the country. Bullying can have demoralising effects on learners who are victims as it can impact on their mental wellbeing, physical health, academic performance, self-esteem and relationships with other learners at school and other people in the community. Recently, the country witnessed an incident in Limpopo where a learner committed suicide following the release of a video of her being physically attacked by another learner. It is against this context that the Commission in the Northern Cape Province will be hosting a Dialogue on Bullying and Violence at Schools.
30 June 2021
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) welcomes the decision of the Constitutional Court handed down by Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe on Tuesday morning, 29 June 2021.
ATT: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) welcomes the decision of the Constitutional Court handed down by Acting Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe on Tuesday morning, 29 June 2021.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Date: 28 June 2021,
The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (CHR), the Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will be hosting a celebratory event to reflect on the contributions of South Africa and South Africans to the African Charter and its application and implementation.
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday, 25 June 2021
The South African National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the auspices of the South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) marks the International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. The significance of this day is traced back to 26 June 1987 when the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) came into force. The UNCAT is the main international mechanism that proclaimed the absolute prohibition of torture in a binding international law instrument. The absolute prohibition equally comes with obligations to provide redress and rehabilitation to victims. Similarly, this absolute prohibition has been entrenched in section 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Friday, 25 June 2021
The South African National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the auspices of the South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) marks the International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. The significance of this day is traced back to 26 June 1987 when the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) came into force. The UNCAT is the main international mechanism that proclaimed the absolute prohibition of torture in a binding international law instrument. The absolute prohibition equally comes with obligations to provide redress and rehabilitation to victims. Similarly, this absolute prohibition has been entrenched in section 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
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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.
Braampark Forum 3, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)
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