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The South African Human Rights Commission, Commissioners, its staff and the human rights community are deeply saddened by the passing of Ahmed Kathrada, an unwavering warrior for human rights and a committed fighter in the struggle for freedom for all. The nation’s tragic loss comes at the end of Human Rights month, a stark reminder of what he and so many fought to realise.
21 March 2017
Attention Editors
In commemoration of Human Rights Day, the South African Human Rights Commission calls on everyone to reflect on what has been done, and what still needs to be done for the attainment of human rights for all in South Africa.
Human Rights Day is commemorated annually on 21 March to honour the sacrifice of those who fell during the Sharpeville massacre on this day in 1960.
The Seshego Equality Court to hand down judgment in matter involving rights of transgendered learner
Media Statement
10 March 2017
Attention: Editors
Judgment is to be handed down in the Seshego Equality Court (Limpopo) in a matter brought by the South African Human Rights Commission on behalf of a transgendered learner against a former secondary school principal and the Limpopo Department of Education.
Friday, 3 March 2017
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has requested an urgent meeting with the Honourable Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini and Mr Thokozani Magwaza, the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), to discuss the lack of clarity on the payment of social grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the impact this could have on social grant beneficiaries as from the 1st of April 2017.
Thursday, 23 February 2017
The South African Human Rights Commission the (Commission) has communicated its deep concern regarding media reports of escalating violence directed at foreign nationals and the destruction of property in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Commission further notes media reports of a march against foreign nationals, planned to take place on Friday, 24 February 2017, in central Pretoria.
Monday, 20 February 2017
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is deeply concerned with reports of escalating incidents of violence directed at foreign nationals and of destruction of property. Media reports indicate that at least three houses were destroyed as a result of community violence in Pretoria West over the weekend and a further twelve had been destroyed in Rosettenville, Johannesburg in the preceding week. New reports indicate that thirty shops were damaged and looted in Atteridgeville and Lotus Gardens late on 20 February 2017.
Attention: Editors
Recent statistics indicate that the majority of complaints received by the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) relate to infringements on the right to Equality, based on racial discrimination. During the 2015/2016 financial year, the Commission received 505 race-related complaints. This is indicative of the fact that despite the significant achievements over the past 23 years of democracy, deep inequalities and unfair discrimination remain a serious concern.
Media Statement
1. The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) notes the statement released by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
2. In terms of section 184 of the Constitution, the Commission is mandated to monitor, promote and protect the observance of human rights, as set out in the Bill of Rights, in South Africa. The Commission performs this function independently, on behalf of all South Africans without fear or favour.
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the “Report into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of mentally ill patients: Gauteng Province, No Guns: 94+ Silent Deaths And Still Counting”, released by the Health Ombudsman, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba on 1 February 2017.
20 January 2017
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The SAHRC has noted with concern the non-delivery of textbooks and learning materials in Limpopo Province.
In 2012, the Pretoria High Court ordered that all prescribed textbooks and learning materials be delivered.
Tuesday, 17 January 2017
Following a complaint received from a member of the Mfuleni community about learners who had not been accommodated in schools, and concerned by media reports that thousands of learners had not yet been accommodated in other schools in the Western Cape SAHRC Commissioners Andre Gaum and Chris Nissen met with Western Cape Provincial Education Minister, Ms Debbie Schafer, this morning (17th January 2017).
The South African Human Rights Commission has noted with concern media reports of thousands of children who have not yet been placed in schools in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
ATTENTION: EDITORS
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) strongly condemns the desecration of places of worship. Recent incidents of concern in the Western Cape include the placing of a pig’s snout on the gate of Noorul Islam Masjied in Simon’s Town on Saturday morning (7th January 2017) and a further incident at the Masjidul-Jamiah in Kalk Bay on Monday (9th January 2017), where the mosque was splattered with blood and Holy Scriptures damaged.
Attention Editors and Reporters
3 January 2016
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the arrival of the newly appointed Commissioners who have taken office today, 3rd January 2017.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Attention: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) and UNICEF will release Global Goals for Every Child: progress and Disparities Among Children in South Africa on 14 December 2016. The report speaks to the status of children in South Africa.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has issued a subpoena to Mr Vusi Shongwe, the Member of Executive Council (MEC), Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga, to appear in person before the Commission on Friday, 9 December 2016. This notice to appear before the Commission was issued in terms of section 15 (1) (c) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act, No. 40 of 2013.
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) addressed a sitting of the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) in Parliament on the matter between the African Diaspora Forum and Others v His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini, on the 7 December 2016, at Parliament in Cape Town.
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)