SAHRC
Public Notice: Invitation to a Virtual Imbizo on the Recent Marches Alleged to be Against Undocumented Migrants
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or the Commission) hereby invites members of the public, civil society organisations, community leaders, faith-based organisations, humanitarian groups, and all relevant stakeholders to participate in an urgent virtual Imbizo on the Recent Marches Alleged to be Against Undocumented Migrants in the country. The imbizo is constituted in line with the Commission’s Constitutional mandate to promote respect for, protect, develop, and monitor the observance of human rights in South Africa.
This call follows increasing reports of violence, displacement, and threats to the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals and communities within the province. The Commission recognises the volatility and urgency of the situation, and the need for a collective, inclusive, and coordinated response.
Media Advisory: South African Human Rights Commission calls for public submissions on data centres and human rights in South Africa
Attention Editors and Reporters
Friday, 22 May 2026
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) invites written submissions from interested stakeholders, experts, communities, industry actors, civil society organisations, academics, regulators and organs of state on the human rights implications of the rapid expansion of data centres and digital infrastructure in South Africa.
Media Statement: SAHRC Investigates Alleged Online Hate Speech
Date: 21 May 2026
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/ the Commission) notes recent social media content circulating online reflecting the apparent use of the k-word and other allegedly racially inflammatory language by a Mr Mark Saltzman.
Media Statement: SAHRC calls for calm, an end to violence, and respect for the rule of law
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is deeply alarmed by recent reports and circulating footage of violent attacks that appear to target non-nationals. These incidents threaten South Africa’s constitutional values of ubuntu, dignity, equality, and the rule of law, as well as the social cohesion.
Media Advisory: SAHRC to hold Public Investigative Inquiry into Gauteng Water Crisis amid escalating human rights concerns
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Date: 16 May 2026
The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC/the Commission) Gauteng Provincial Office (GPO) will convene an inquiry as part of its investigation into the Water Crisis in Gauteng Province. The Commission undertakes this investigative inquiry as part of its constitutional and statutory mandate to promote, protect and monitor the observance of human rights in the country.
Media Statement: SAHRC presents its annual plans to stabilise the organisation, enhance government accountability and to address human rights challenges
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Media Statement: SAHRC expresses concern over human rights implications arising from student protests at the University of Venda
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has noted with concern reports, video footage circulating on social media, and public accounts regarding the policing of recent student protests at the University of Venda (UNIVEN).
Media Statement: The SAHRC Celebrates 30 Years of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa: Towards closing the gap between constitutional promises and lived experiences
Saturday, 9 May 2026
This week, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) joined the nation in celebration as South Africa proudly marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (“the Constitution”).
Media Statement: Western Cape Provincial Office alert on severe weather being experienced in the Western Cape
Attention Editors and Reporters
Friday, 8 May 2026
The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC/the Commission) Western Cape Provincial Office (WCPO) notes with concern the impact of severe weather across the Western Cape, particularly in the Garden Route District and other parts of the country. Schools and clinic closures and infrastructure damage have disrupted the rights to education, healthcare, freedom of movement, and consequently human dignity as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
The SAHRC launches a Rights-and-Responsibilities Campaign and calls for an Afrocentric notion of Human Rights and Freedom
As Freedom Month draws to a close, we would do well to remember Madiba’s words: "The time has come to accept in our hearts and minds that with freedom comes responsibility.” Nelson Mandela spoke these words in 1995 during the State of the Nation address. It could be said that Mandela was invoking a notion of freedom that goes beyond the Eurocentric and liberal model. The Botho/Ubuntu notion of freedom conceptualises freedom as ‘freedom for responsibility’, rather than the freedom to do as one pleases.
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)