SAHRC convene national hearing relating to safety and security challenges facing farming communities

Attention: Editors and Reporters

04 October 2014

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will host a second phase of its national hearing relating to safety and security challenges facing farming communities on Monday 06th October 2014 at its Head Offices in Braamfontein Johannesburg.

The hearing will call the testimony of:

•    The South African Police Services represented by the SAPS National Commissioner
•    The African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA)
•    Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)
•    Agricultural Research Council


The hearing will be hosted as follows:

Venue:  SAHRC Head Offices in Braamfontein
Braampark Office Park Forum 3
33 Hoofd Street

Date:     06th October 2014

Time:   09:30 – 16:00

The media is invited to attend, observe and report about this hearing

The Commission decided to convene the hearing because of the evidence seen in the current crime statistics, complaints lodged with the SAHRC regarding violence in farming communities, media reports and other anecdotal accounts, which all point to the fact that safety and security, and human rights protections in farming communities still remains a significant challenge.  The Hearing also aims to assess the progress made by both public and private actors on the implementation of the SAHRC’s 2003 and 2008 recommendations.

Farming communities, often located in rural areas with insufficient access to relevant State institutions, continue to face significant threats to a variety of rights contained in the Constitution, including freedom and security of the person.

The Hearing Panel will be led by the SAHRC Commissioner Danny Titus, supported by Commissioner Mohamed Ameermia.

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Alucia Sekgathume
South African Human Rights Commission
T: +27 11 877 3627
Cell: 0826892364
E: asekgathume@sahrc.org.za