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People across the districts learn about their rights
30 March 2018
THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) commemorated Human Rights month by conducting educational activities across the Harry Gwala and Ugu districts from March 12 to March 16.
Officials from the commission visited government offices such as the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and Department of Home Affairs, schools, farming communities, clinics and the Elonwabeni Old Age Home in Kokstad.
Officials from the commission visited government offices such as the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and Department of Home Affairs, schools, farming communities, clinics and the Elonwabeni Old Age Home in Kokstad.
The aim of the visits was to raise human rights awareness and provide a platform for communities to engage directly with officials of the Human Rights Commission on matters affecting them.
SAHRC KZN advocacy and research officer Ayanda Nene said they held successful activities in both Harry Gwala and Ugu districts as people raised their concerns.
He said people highlighted various complaints about ill-treatment in some government departments, labour laws that are not followed, poverty and illegal dumping sites.
“In farming areas, people complained about labour laws that are not properly adhered to by farm employers. At government departments, people complained about not being attended to on time. Some complaints were addressed on the spot,” said Nene.
He added that some complaints were recorded for investigation and will be addressed with the relevant departments. He thanked the ward councillors and municipalities for getting involved in the activities. “We need to do a follow up with the Department of Home Affairs as we heard that some pupils do not have IDs,” said Nene.
Greater Kokstad Municipality, along with mayor Bheki Mtolo, marked Human Rights month at Bongweni hall on Thursday.
Mtolo said it is important for people to understand their rights.
He said people highlighted various complaints about ill-treatment in some government departments, labour laws that are not followed, poverty and illegal dumping sites.
“In farming areas, people complained about labour laws that are not properly adhered to by farm employers. At government departments, people complained about not being attended to on time. Some complaints were addressed on the spot,” said Nene.
He added that some complaints were recorded for investigation and will be addressed with the relevant departments. He thanked the ward councillors and municipalities for getting involved in the activities. “We need to do a follow up with the Department of Home Affairs as we heard that some pupils do not have IDs,” said Nene.
Greater Kokstad Municipality, along with mayor Bheki Mtolo, marked Human Rights month at Bongweni hall on Thursday.
Mtolo said it is important for people to understand their rights.
Source: News24
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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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