Attention: Editors and Reporters

04 December 2018

On 05^th December 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission will host roundtable discussions to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Attention Editors and Reporters

4 December 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) condemns the acts of looting and vandalism that occurred at a Vodacom store at the Mall of the North in Polokwane, on Sunday the 2^nd December 2018. The store was stormed and damage was caused by a group of people, allegedly wearing Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) regalia.

14 November 2018

Violent protests at health facilities haven’t only uncovered failings, they have revealed the interconnected nature of the rights we aspire to live


Historically, protest action has been the only social currency people could effectively use to overcome oppression. During apartheid South Africa, violent protests were an arguably justifiable response to the time’s illegitimate and oppressive regime.

26 November 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) welcomes the Xolobeni judgment in which the High Court in Pretoria ruled that the permission of the community is required before mining rights are issued.
Community members have been demanding to assert their right to refuse mining companies the right to extract titanium at the Umgungundlovu area in Xolobeni on the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape. This community raised concerns regarding possible displacement from their homes and grazing lands, as well as environmental degradation.

28 November 2018

The Constitutional Court will on Thursday consider the constitutionality of corporal punishment in the home.
SA's top court prohibited corporal punishment in detention settings in 1995 and in schools in 2000; this case deals with a possible prohibition in the home.

29 November 2018

A Limpopo businessman who demolished five farm dwellers' houses in Modjadjiskloof two weeks ago has agreed to rebuild them following protests at his businesses.
Michael Toulou, a Modjadjiskloof property mogul and farmer, had sent earth-moving machines to demolish five houses.
At the time, he said the dwellers did not belong there as he owned the farm.

28 November 2018

Hot on the heels of the Vaal river and Randfontein water pollution investigations currently under way, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) intends investigating complaints over sewage spillages and wastewater treatment challenges in various municipalities in Mpumalanga.

30 November 2018

The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JCIS) held a mental illness seminar at West Bank Correctional Facility on Friday.
The province has been identified as having the largest number of incarcerated mentally ill patients in the country.
Representatives from stakeholders such as the South African Human Rights Commission and the South African Federation for Mental Health were in attendance.

03 December 2018

The Gauteng government has set up a war room in a bid to stave off a water crisis.
Local‚ provincial and national government officials are working with civilian and military water security experts. Their mission is to reduce Gauteng's water consumption and fix collapsing sewage plants.
Driving the move is a report that lays bare the water crisis facing SA's economic hub.

03 December 2018

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa will, on Friday 07 December 2018, deliver a keynote address at the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg.