 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Fighting the scourge of racism
23 September 2016
The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has joined forces with universities, including those in the Eastern Cape, to tackle the scourge of racism. This is according to SAHRC commissioner Mohamed Shafie Ameermia, who visited The Herald office yesterday as part of the commission’s provincial oversight tour.
The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has joined forces with universities, including those in the Eastern Cape, to tackle the scourge of racism. This is according to SAHRC commissioner Mohamed Shafie Ameermia, who visited The Herald office yesterday as part of the commission’s provincial oversight tour.
He said the commission received around 10 000 complaints annually which a staff of only 207 people had to investigate.
As a result, the decision had been made to form partnerships with law faculties at various universities, including NMMU, Rhodes and Fort Hare.
“As a Chapter 9 organisation we actually have a wider mandate than even the public protector as we champion the rights of South Africans and non-South Africans living in the country, which amounts to 52 million people,” Ameermia said.
“So you can imagine the capacity constraints with only 207 people in the office. This is why we are joining hands with NGO’s, civil society and law clinics throughout the country.”
He said a misconception existed that the bulk of complaints were racism related, but most involved the lack of adequate service delivery and the right to housing.
Source: Herald
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.
Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)