24 – 30 November 2017

Nonconforming people are protected by the Constitution in a complex tug-of-war

Recently, I had an oppor-tunity to see a screening of the award-winning film Inxeba: The Wound, which explores, in an incisive fashion, the complex ties involving oppressed sexual orienta-tion, gender identity and expression. This is done provocatively against the backdrop of the Xhosa rite of ulwaluko — a practice that has always been masked in secrecy and is intended to prepare young men for manhood.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

23 November 2017

We the SADC Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudsman (Alliance) meeting in Pretoria, South Africa from 21 to 22 November 2017 have taken note of the positive political developments taking place in Zimbabwe, in particular, the inclusive mass demonstrations that have culminated in the resignation from office on 21 November 2017 of former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe who has ruled the country since independence in 1980.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Wednesday 23 November 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) appreciates the fundamental role played by the media in promoting and advancing a culture of human rights in South Africa. On that basis, the Commission’s Mpumalanga Provincial Office invites members of the media to a media engagement on 24th November 2017 at the SAHRC’s Boardroom, 4th Floor Carltex Building, 32 Bell Street, Nelspruit.

“South Africa is hailed as having one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world and has adopted a comprehensive legal framework aimed not only at prohibiting discrimination but at actively enhancing the attainment of equal opportunities. Despite this, South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world, and the occurrence of discrimination in the workplace remains considerably high, emphasising that the enactment of legislation and policies alone is not enough to prevent and eliminate discrimination in practice. In considering the far reaching implications and the prevalence of substantial inequalities, the South African Human Rights Commission hosted a national hearing on unfair discrimination in the workplace between March and April 2016.”

Attention: Editors and Reporters

22 November 2017

The SAHRC Mpumalanga provincial office will be hosting a Provincial Indaba on human rights environment of the farm dwellers and farm workers under the theme: “Evictions in Farming Communities.” The purpose of the Indaba is to highlight the pervasiveness of evictions in the farming communities and the lack of proper implementation of the provisions of the enabling legislation such as the Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 of 1997 (ESTA) in the province.

20 November 2017

We all have those friends on Facebook who claim they have an absolute right to their opinion. “Well, that’s my opinion and I am entitled to it. It’s a free country.” Fair enough, the “free country” line has become outdated. But certainly not outdated as the apartheid flag which has recently been pulled out the drawers, miraculously dustless, neatly unfolded and displayed with an odd mix of reverence and nostalgia.
Yes, the Constitution protects freedom of speech. So you are entitled to your opinion. But this right has its bounds. The Constitution expressly prohibits “advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm”. So your entitlement is not absolute or without accountability or consequence.

17 November 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission has revealed that there is a shortage of skills, training and resources when it comes to mental healthcare in the country. The Commission is investigating the sector following the Life Esidimeni tragedy and SAHRC Chairperson Bongani Majola was also mentioned.

Source: Kaya FM

16 November 2017

The KZN health department has been under fire since the SAHRC published a damning report on the state of oncology services in the province.

17 November 2017

Rural communities should not be excluded from accessing mental health care. This is according to Programme Manager at the South African Federation for Mental Health, Charlene Sunkel.

15th November 2017

ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters

The SAHRC NC Provincial Office will be hosting a media networking session on 23 November 2017 in Upington.
The purpose of the of the media briefing session is to share advocacy and legal activities conducted thus far and future plans of the Commission during the current financial year. Furthermore, the engagement will also discuss the role of the media in building a culture of human rights, and establish working relations for possible future collaborations and human rights campaigns.