The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is hosting an Equality Indaba Two Workshop on the 23 November 2006, at its offices (no. 29 corner Princess of Wales Terrace and St Andrews street, Parktown, JHB).

The Equality Indaba Two Workshop will assess and monitor successes and challenges encountered by different stakeholders in implementing the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 (Equality Act).

The SAHRC organised an Equality Indaba One Workshop in 2004. Although a successful venture, the workshop highlighted some challenges associated with the implementation of the Act. Given the fact that the Equality Act now celebrates five years since its enactment, the establishment of Equality Courts in the past three years and the finalisation of the drafting of regulations to the Act, the SAHRC saw a need to review some of those challenges and reflect on successes with the implementation of the Act through an Equality Indaba Two Workshop.

The Equality Indaba Two Workshop will reflect on the following:

-                      the successes and challenges encountered by different role players in implementing the Act;

-                      the extent to which intended beneficiaries benefited from the Act;

-                      the successes and challenges experienced in drafting and finalising regulations to the Act;

-                      make recommendations for proper implementation and enforcement of the Act; and

-                      the working relationship between the SAHRC and other stakeholders. 

The SAHRC through this workshop hopes to develop and produce a report capturing:

o        information which monitors the extent to which there has been successes and challenges in implementing the Act by different role players, for example, the NGO, Chapter 9 institutions and government sector;

o        information highlighting challenges and success by Heads of Courts in enforcing the Act; and

o        information assessing the extent to which the Act is able to achieve its goals and its accessibility to intended beneficiaries.

This workshop will be held for one day with participants from different organisations among others, the Commission on Gender Equality (CGE), Department of Justice (DoJ), the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL), Tshwaranang, Faze II, Legal Aid Board, National, Provincial and Local government, Legal Practitioners and Academics presenting their experiences by highlighting both successes and challenges in implementing the Act, and assessing whether the Act has benefited its intended beneficiaries. An attendance of approximately 80 participants is anticipated.

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