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04 August 2023
THE WATER crisis in Warrenton has resulted in a stabbing and several fights, while guest houses and private residences that have made their water tanks available to community members have decided to lock their gates out of fear of violence. Community members are on tenterhooks after a resident was stabbed while queuing for water and was taken to the Warrenton Hospital for medical treatment earlier this week. "What more must we endure? This person could have died," they said. This follows an incident where an 11yearold girl was injured when she was hit by a vehicle on the N12 when she accompanied her mother to fetch water in March. Warrenton has been without any water since February this year after floods damaged the pipes.
27 Jul 2023
MEC Reagen Allen on terms 'Bravo, Charlie not racist' MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has defended the use of "racist" terms in a public announcement for the Chrysalis Academy intake. In its call for applicants for January 2024, the department said it sought to admit 230 men into the "23 CHARLIE males course", while women for the "23 BRAVO female course" would be selected from the 2022 waiting list.
MEC Reagen Allen on terms 'Bravo, Charlie not racist' MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has defended the use of "racist" terms in a public announcement for the Chrysalis Academy intake. In its call for applicants for January 2024, the department said it sought to admit 230 men into the "23 CHARLIE males course", while women for the "23 BRAVO female course" would be selected from the 2022 waiting list.
17 Jul 2023
SAHRC MEETS WITH KHAN ROAD UNREST VICTIMS AKHEEL SEWSUNKER Two years after the atrocities of the July unrest, the wounds are still fresh for some Khan Road residents who are still awaiting justice for the crimes that were committed during that week. The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC held a meeting at Truro Hall in Northdale on Saturday to fill in the gaps of the report on the events that transpired at the Khan Road informal settlement from July 9 to July18, 2021, after two shooting incidents and a fire broke out at the settlement, leaving hundreds of residents homeless and sparking a humanitarian crisis. Two cases of murder and one of arson were opened for investigation.
SAHRC MEETS WITH KHAN ROAD UNREST VICTIMS AKHEEL SEWSUNKER Two years after the atrocities of the July unrest, the wounds are still fresh for some Khan Road residents who are still awaiting justice for the crimes that were committed during that week. The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC held a meeting at Truro Hall in Northdale on Saturday to fill in the gaps of the report on the events that transpired at the Khan Road informal settlement from July 9 to July18, 2021, after two shooting incidents and a fire broke out at the settlement, leaving hundreds of residents homeless and sparking a humanitarian crisis. Two cases of murder and one of arson were opened for investigation.
14 Jul 2023
A protest march organised by local organisation Kopanang Africa held in Johannesburg in March last year highlighted injustices against foreign nationals. THAPELO MOREBUDI SA police accused of 'state xenophobia' 'Migrant women risk violence trying to make ends meet' By Koena Mesitale State xenophobia remains a sobering truth in SA as migrants recount how they can't trust the services they get from the police who they accuse of often looking at people's nationalities rather than helping them. Roshila Nair, convener at Global South Against Xenophobia said the phrase, "institutionalised xenophobia" is a phrase her organisation is quite familiar with. "We also refer to it as 'state xenophobia'. Xenophobia reflected in government and state actions," said Nair.
A protest march organised by local organisation Kopanang Africa held in Johannesburg in March last year highlighted injustices against foreign nationals. THAPELO MOREBUDI SA police accused of 'state xenophobia' 'Migrant women risk violence trying to make ends meet' By Koena Mesitale State xenophobia remains a sobering truth in SA as migrants recount how they can't trust the services they get from the police who they accuse of often looking at people's nationalities rather than helping them. Roshila Nair, convener at Global South Against Xenophobia said the phrase, "institutionalised xenophobia" is a phrase her organisation is quite familiar with. "We also refer to it as 'state xenophobia'. Xenophobia reflected in government and state actions," said Nair.
14 Jul 2023
Dairy shop bans LGBTQ+ people from its premises 'Not welcome' sign under probe By Khanyisile Ngcobo The SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC has confirmed it is investigating a complaint against a Gqeberha shop in the Eastern Cape over the display of a sign barring LGBTQ+ people. Earlier this week, images appeared on social media showing a sign outside spices and dairy shop La Gardi that reads: "LGBTQ not welcome at La Gardi. Save our children?", and citing the "right of admission reserved" policy.
Dairy shop bans LGBTQ+ people from its premises 'Not welcome' sign under probe By Khanyisile Ngcobo The SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC has confirmed it is investigating a complaint against a Gqeberha shop in the Eastern Cape over the display of a sign barring LGBTQ+ people. Earlier this week, images appeared on social media showing a sign outside spices and dairy shop La Gardi that reads: "LGBTQ not welcome at La Gardi. Save our children?", and citing the "right of admission reserved" policy.
13 Jul 2023
The SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC has been roped in to resolve a dispute about a discriminatory sign outside a Parkside business that drew the ire of the LGBTQI+ community. Queer people and organisations as far afield as Namibia have instructed the owner of La Gardi Catering Plastics to take down the chalkboard brandishing the wording "LGBTQ_not welcome at Lagardi, save our children" on it. However, the shop owner, Dawood Lagardien, has refused to back down on the board and his beliefs. "That's the truth, that is correct, you have the picture of the board, so what more do you need?" Lagardien asked.
The SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC has been roped in to resolve a dispute about a discriminatory sign outside a Parkside business that drew the ire of the LGBTQI+ community. Queer people and organisations as far afield as Namibia have instructed the owner of La Gardi Catering Plastics to take down the chalkboard brandishing the wording "LGBTQ_not welcome at Lagardi, save our children" on it. However, the shop owner, Dawood Lagardien, has refused to back down on the board and his beliefs. "That's the truth, that is correct, you have the picture of the board, so what more do you need?" Lagardien asked.
08 Jul 2023
Activists from land rights movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, which represents impoverished people, say they live in hiding, perpetually looking over their shoulders, as they believe they are targets for assassination because they pose a threat to the ANC. The movement says 24 of its people have been killed in hits and in police action and yet only two people have been convicted for the murders. With elections looming next year, Abahlali baseMjondolo, which focuses on KwaZuluNatal, believes the assault on its members will accelerate.
Activists from land rights movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, which represents impoverished people, say they live in hiding, perpetually looking over their shoulders, as they believe they are targets for assassination because they pose a threat to the ANC. The movement says 24 of its people have been killed in hits and in police action and yet only two people have been convicted for the murders. With elections looming next year, Abahlali baseMjondolo, which focuses on KwaZuluNatal, believes the assault on its members will accelerate.
29 June 2023
THE SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC is assessing the facts around the case of a woman who was assaulted over an alleged stolen phone at the swanky Savoye Restaurant in Franschhoek in April. In a video that circulated on social media, a bloodied Ntombizodwa Sepheko, 40, was seen being attacked by a man inside a swimming pool. SAHRC commissioner Andre Gaum confirmed the organisation was busy assessing the case involving Ntombizodwa Sepheko from Philippi following the discovery of her video being attacked by a white man that circulated on the internet.
THE SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC is assessing the facts around the case of a woman who was assaulted over an alleged stolen phone at the swanky Savoye Restaurant in Franschhoek in April. In a video that circulated on social media, a bloodied Ntombizodwa Sepheko, 40, was seen being attacked by a man inside a swimming pool. SAHRC commissioner Andre Gaum confirmed the organisation was busy assessing the case involving Ntombizodwa Sepheko from Philippi following the discovery of her video being attacked by a white man that circulated on the internet.
30 Jun 2023
Nicole Barlow' FACEBOOK Limpho Hani labels Barlow `a racist liar' She says her apology for Hani slur disingenuous By Lindile Sifile Limpho Hani, the widow of slain SACP leader Chris Hani, has lashed out at Nicole Barlow, labeling her a "racist liar". Limpho was responding to claims by Barlow that she had written to the Hani family to apologise following her offensive tweet at the weekend. Barlow on Sunday caused controversy on Twitter with a comment she made on a story in the Sunday Times, about mineral resource minister Gwede Mantashe ditching the signing of green energy deal to attend a Cosatu event. Barlow had posted a message about a missed opportunity to "do a Chris Hani" on Mantashe, who was in Boksburg at the time. Chris Hani lived in Dawn Park, Boksburg, when he was gunned down on April 10 1993.
Nicole Barlow' FACEBOOK Limpho Hani labels Barlow `a racist liar' She says her apology for Hani slur disingenuous By Lindile Sifile Limpho Hani, the widow of slain SACP leader Chris Hani, has lashed out at Nicole Barlow, labeling her a "racist liar". Limpho was responding to claims by Barlow that she had written to the Hani family to apologise following her offensive tweet at the weekend. Barlow on Sunday caused controversy on Twitter with a comment she made on a story in the Sunday Times, about mineral resource minister Gwede Mantashe ditching the signing of green energy deal to attend a Cosatu event. Barlow had posted a message about a missed opportunity to "do a Chris Hani" on Mantashe, who was in Boksburg at the time. Chris Hani lived in Dawn Park, Boksburg, when he was gunned down on April 10 1993.
28 Jun 2023
AN INVESTIGATION into possible human rights abuse concerning the water quality and safety in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is under way. This, after residents raised the alarm that a cancercausing byproduct was found during tests conducted in the water earlier this year. The SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC said an investigation was pending into the water quality in the municipality, after it received complaints from civic movements. Eastern Cape SAHRC provincial manager, Eileen Carter, said the complaints were consolidated.
AN INVESTIGATION into possible human rights abuse concerning the water quality and safety in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is under way. This, after residents raised the alarm that a cancercausing byproduct was found during tests conducted in the water earlier this year. The SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC said an investigation was pending into the water quality in the municipality, after it received complaints from civic movements. Eastern Cape SAHRC provincial manager, Eileen Carter, said the complaints were consolidated.
11 Jun 2023
Hoorskool Namakwaland grade 10 pupil Isaac van Zyl, 17, says his cornrows are 'part of who I am'. Picture: Supplied School backs down after banning pupil for his cornrows By PREGA GOVENDER The governing body of a Northern Cape school has been forced to reverse its controversial decision to ban a pupil from attending class because of his cornrow hairstyle after the intervention of the provincial education department. Calvin Watt, the secretary of the governing body of Hoerskool Namakwaland in Springbok, informed Elisma van Zyl, the mother of grade 10 pupil Isaac van Zyl, in a final notice dated May 30 that her son would not be allowed at school in the new term in July if his hair is not cut "neat and short". Watt, acting on behalf of the governing body, said Van Zyl was aware that her son "refuses to obey the disciplinary code of the school" concerning his hair. "The governing body has after consultations with various role players, including the education department, decided that Isaac, 17, will not be allowed at school until he fulfils the required cleanliness rule." But the education department told the Sunday Times it had asked the governing body to provide evidence of its consultation process with the department. Watt stated in his letter to Van Zyl that if a pupil is allowed to ignore the rules "it leads other learners to ignore rules they don't agree with". "It will eventually lead to lawlessness and a school that won't be effectively managed.
Hoorskool Namakwaland grade 10 pupil Isaac van Zyl, 17, says his cornrows are 'part of who I am'. Picture: Supplied School backs down after banning pupil for his cornrows By PREGA GOVENDER The governing body of a Northern Cape school has been forced to reverse its controversial decision to ban a pupil from attending class because of his cornrow hairstyle after the intervention of the provincial education department. Calvin Watt, the secretary of the governing body of Hoerskool Namakwaland in Springbok, informed Elisma van Zyl, the mother of grade 10 pupil Isaac van Zyl, in a final notice dated May 30 that her son would not be allowed at school in the new term in July if his hair is not cut "neat and short". Watt, acting on behalf of the governing body, said Van Zyl was aware that her son "refuses to obey the disciplinary code of the school" concerning his hair. "The governing body has after consultations with various role players, including the education department, decided that Isaac, 17, will not be allowed at school until he fulfils the required cleanliness rule." But the education department told the Sunday Times it had asked the governing body to provide evidence of its consultation process with the department. Watt stated in his letter to Van Zyl that if a pupil is allowed to ignore the rules "it leads other learners to ignore rules they don't agree with". "It will eventually lead to lawlessness and a school that won't be effectively managed.
09 Jun 2023
WESTERFORD High School is investigating the source of racist posts on social media purporting to come from a pupil at the Rondebosch school. The account, under the name Grade8a_2023, posted images of black slaves and tagged some pupils at the school, with a caption reading: "I found your family". Among other posts is a picture of a Khoisan person accompanied by a caption identifying the person as a teacher at the school. Another image of black slaves chained at the hands and neck is captioned, "who wishes all these black people could leave our classes and go back to where they came from".
WESTERFORD High School is investigating the source of racist posts on social media purporting to come from a pupil at the Rondebosch school. The account, under the name Grade8a_2023, posted images of black slaves and tagged some pupils at the school, with a caption reading: "I found your family". Among other posts is a picture of a Khoisan person accompanied by a caption identifying the person as a teacher at the school. Another image of black slaves chained at the hands and neck is captioned, "who wishes all these black people could leave our classes and go back to where they came from".
09 Jun 2023
The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC has confirmed its probe into the "unsanitary and inhumane" conditions of a Durban township that uses pit latrines. The DA wrote to the SAHRC's KZN provincial office to intervene after it conducted an oversight visit to KwaMashu two weeks ago and found that the residents had resorted to using buckets to relieve themselves. This was as a result of having to contend with overflowing pit latrines that had not been serviced for more than six years.
The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC has confirmed its probe into the "unsanitary and inhumane" conditions of a Durban township that uses pit latrines. The DA wrote to the SAHRC's KZN provincial office to intervene after it conducted an oversight visit to KwaMashu two weeks ago and found that the residents had resorted to using buckets to relieve themselves. This was as a result of having to contend with overflowing pit latrines that had not been serviced for more than six years.
28 May 2023
The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC has vowed to keep a close eye on the construction of a residential school for children with disabilities in Mpumalanga. This after revelations that the provincial government was spending Rhmillion to rent boarding facilities for the deaf and blind pupils. The commission has raised concerns about the lack of such schools in the province, which forced it to launch its own probe into the matter last year. According to the Democratic Alliance DA in Mpumalanga, the school should have been built more than a decade ago when former deputy president David Mabuza was still the province's premier.
The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC has vowed to keep a close eye on the construction of a residential school for children with disabilities in Mpumalanga. This after revelations that the provincial government was spending Rhmillion to rent boarding facilities for the deaf and blind pupils. The commission has raised concerns about the lack of such schools in the province, which forced it to launch its own probe into the matter last year. According to the Democratic Alliance DA in Mpumalanga, the school should have been built more than a decade ago when former deputy president David Mabuza was still the province's premier.
2 May 2023
While the community of Matseding Village is still waiting on the Sekhukhune District Municipality to drain their overflowing pit toilets, the South African Human Rights Commission in Limpopo says it is concerned that such conditions will leave residents exposed to several diseases.
While the community of Matseding Village is still waiting on the Sekhukhune District Municipality to drain their overflowing pit toilets, the South African Human Rights Commission in Limpopo says it is concerned that such conditions will leave residents exposed to several diseases.
06 Jun 2023
THE South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC claims former Springbok wing Ashwin Willemse's failure to respond led to its decision to close the probe into alleged racial discrimination against him at SuperSport. This has raised questions around how it could opt to close the probe without getting to the bottom of why Willemse did not respond. On May 19, 2018, during the postmatch analysis of a Super Rugby match, Willemse left the set, expressing his refusal to be undermined and patronised by fellow studio analysts Nick Mallett and Naas Botha, who had played rugby in the apartheid era. Willemse cited racism as one of the factors that led to his walkout. SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi told the Cape Times yesterday that the investigation was in fact closed on March 26, 2021.
THE South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC claims former Springbok wing Ashwin Willemse's failure to respond led to its decision to close the probe into alleged racial discrimination against him at SuperSport. This has raised questions around how it could opt to close the probe without getting to the bottom of why Willemse did not respond. On May 19, 2018, during the postmatch analysis of a Super Rugby match, Willemse left the set, expressing his refusal to be undermined and patronised by fellow studio analysts Nick Mallett and Naas Botha, who had played rugby in the apartheid era. Willemse cited racism as one of the factors that led to his walkout. SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi told the Cape Times yesterday that the investigation was in fact closed on March 26, 2021.
05 Jun 2023
NORTH West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has confirmed that five managers have been transferred from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital pending an investigation into why newborn babies were placed in cardboard boxes. Sambatha confirmed this "precautionary transfer" on Wednesday, 30 May as he gave an update on the latest developments. Last week, the MEC came out to raise concerns about the situation. He revealed that the incident happened on Saturday, 20 May, but management had not been made aware of the matter. "On Thursday, I received a public circulation of picture. Circulating it back to management, I said I can't believe this and need urgent investigation to probe whether indeed this happened in Mahikeng and what the reason for this was," he said.
NORTH West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has confirmed that five managers have been transferred from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital pending an investigation into why newborn babies were placed in cardboard boxes. Sambatha confirmed this "precautionary transfer" on Wednesday, 30 May as he gave an update on the latest developments. Last week, the MEC came out to raise concerns about the situation. He revealed that the incident happened on Saturday, 20 May, but management had not been made aware of the matter. "On Thursday, I received a public circulation of picture. Circulating it back to management, I said I can't believe this and need urgent investigation to probe whether indeed this happened in Mahikeng and what the reason for this was," he said.
05 Jun 2023
Children murders a great concern for the SAHRC The attempted murders of kids have gone up by 8.8%, reveals crime statistics By Roma Mashale The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC says child murders are a concern despite a drop reflected in the recent crime stats.
Children murders a great concern for the SAHRC The attempted murders of kids have gone up by 8.8%, reveals crime statistics By Roma Mashale The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC says child murders are a concern despite a drop reflected in the recent crime stats.
02 Jun 2023
HRC vows to watch Tshwane over Hammanskraal water City approves R450m budget to fix Rooiwal, two years after report By Koena Mashale and Jeanette Chabalala The South African Human Right Commission HRC says it will put pressure on the City of Tshwane to implement recommendations it made on the provision of water to the community of Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, in the wake of the cholera outbreak. Harriete Buga, HRC Gauteng legal officer, was speaking yesterday following a visit to the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant Two years ago, the commission released a damning report revealing that the pollution of water resources in Hammanskraal was as a result of failure by the city to maintain wastewater treatment works. It found the city had failed to fulfill its constitutional objectives.
HRC vows to watch Tshwane over Hammanskraal water City approves R450m budget to fix Rooiwal, two years after report By Koena Mashale and Jeanette Chabalala The South African Human Right Commission HRC says it will put pressure on the City of Tshwane to implement recommendations it made on the provision of water to the community of Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, in the wake of the cholera outbreak. Harriete Buga, HRC Gauteng legal officer, was speaking yesterday following a visit to the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant Two years ago, the commission released a damning report revealing that the pollution of water resources in Hammanskraal was as a result of failure by the city to maintain wastewater treatment works. It found the city had failed to fulfill its constitutional objectives.
02 Jun 2023
THE FF+ has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC regarding the nonfunctioning pump stations throughout the city. FF+ councillor Johan Smit said work was halted again at the Carters Glen pump station in January due to payment discrepancies. "Raw sewage is running into the veld as a result of leaks around the Petrus Street pump station, Gariep hospital and Hillcrest. The stench The FF+ laid a of sewage lingers in the air in residential areas complaint with the including Hadison Park, El Toro Park and Carters SAHRC regarding Glen. the malfunctioning "Only one pump is working at Gogga pump sewage pump station out of seven that are supposed to be operstations in the city. ational.
THE FF+ has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC regarding the nonfunctioning pump stations throughout the city. FF+ councillor Johan Smit said work was halted again at the Carters Glen pump station in January due to payment discrepancies. "Raw sewage is running into the veld as a result of leaks around the Petrus Street pump station, Gariep hospital and Hillcrest. The stench The FF+ laid a of sewage lingers in the air in residential areas complaint with the including Hadison Park, El Toro Park and Carters SAHRC regarding Glen. the malfunctioning "Only one pump is working at Gogga pump sewage pump station out of seven that are supposed to be operstations in the city. ational.
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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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