21 July 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission launched its first Civil and Political Rights Report, on 28 June 2017, which provides a snapshot of key developments around civil and political rights in South Africa during 2016/2017. The launch of the report coincided with the intimidation of journalists by the Black First Land First (BFL) group and threats by BFL to protest at the homes and places of worship of members of the media. These actions which were widely denounced brings focus to bear on important civil and political rights. By KATE TISSINGTON and FOLA ADELEKE.

20 July 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is encouraged that the Thabazimbi Equality Court has reconfirmed that the use of the k-word as a racial epithet, is unlawful and that those who continue to use it will be held to account.
The commission released a statement on Tuesday highlighting the outcomes of a case heard in the Equality Court last year where an African man was called the ‘k-word’.

MEDIA STATEMENT:

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

The Equality Court for the District of the Cape, sitting in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, on the 14^th July 2017, has once again confirmed that the use of the ‘K-word’, as a derogatory racial epithet, is in fact unlawful and bears consequences.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Tuesday, 18 July 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or Commission) is encouraged that the Thabazimbi Equality Court has reconfirmed that the use of the ‘k-word’, as a racial epitaph, is unlawful and that those who continue to use it will be held to account.

Media Statement:

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Monday, 17 July 2017

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) strongly condemns the irresponsible utterances by the Deputy Minister of Police, Bongani Mkongi. On Friday the 14th July 2017, the Deputy Minister, while addressing concerns around crime and hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, Hillbrow in particular, was quoted by media as saying that: “How can a city in South Africa be 80% foreign national? That is dangerous. South Africans have surrendered their own city to the foreigners.”

MEDIA INVITE:

Attention: Editors and Reporters

11 July 2017

On 11, 12 and 13 July 2017, the South African Human Rights Commission will host roadshows in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

These roadshows are expected to serve as a platform to amplify awareness on pertinent issues relating to access to justice, the Commission’s child friendly complaints handling procedure and access to information. The roadshows are centered on the theme ‘amplifying human rights education in rural and farming communities’.

10 July 2017


The DA – set to do oversight visits at Addington and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central hospitals on Monday – were denied access to the medical facilities.

The team led by Patricia Kopane, the national DA spokesperson for health, and Dr Imran Keeka, the DA KZN's health spokesperson, were barred by hospital officials from entering Addington Hospital on Monday morning.

11 July 2017

Racism and anti-Semitism are a tort against the Constitution itself and against the democratic state as a whole

Judgment was handed down in the Equality Court last week, unequivocally upholding a South African Human Rights Commission ruling that Cosatu international relations spokesman Bongani Masuku had been guilty of anti-Semitic hate speech, for which he must apologise to the Jewish community.

10 July 2017


Durban – Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow minister for health, Patricia Kopane, is expected to visit Addington and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospitals, accused of failing to adequately treat cancer patients, in Durban on Monday.

08 July 2017

The DA is hoping an investigation into PR firm Bell Pottinger will provide it with enough ammunition to seek legal action against individuals in South Africa.

DA spokesperson Phumzile Van Damme said: "Based on the outcome of the PR and Communications Association (PRCA) investigation and what it says, we could take action domestically.