20 July 2022

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Equality courts are specialised courts designated to hear matters relating to unfair discrimination, hate speech and harassment. In terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 (PEPUDA) the South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) has a mandate to assist complainants in bringing complaints to the equality courts, to conduct investigations into cases and advise complainants.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

20 July 2022

The Commission in the Eastern Cape has received complaints, coupled with various media reports pertaining to the death of children due to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) caused by hunger. Studies and statistics further indicate that many children in the province are malnourished as a result living in abject poverty. Despite this tragedy, it appears that the Department of Social Development forfeited an amount of R67 million of unspent funds to National Treasury in the previous financial year.

18 July 2022

 The Commission in Mpumalanga will be embarking on a campaign to raise awareness about the right to equality, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (“PEPUDA”) and Equality Courts in the Ehlanzeni District from 18 to 22 July 2022. This follows similar campaigns in the Gert Sibande and Nkangala Districts.

18 July 2022

Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in the Northern Cape Province will be conducting a joint outreach programme in the Pixley Ka Seme District from Monday, 18 July to Friday, 22 July 2022.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

18 July 2022

In November 2009, the United Nations (UN) officially declared 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day which is commonly known as Mandela Day. This day was declared in honour of Nelson Mandela and is celebrated every year on his birthday, 18 July. This year’s Mandela Day in South Africa is framed under the Nelson Mandela Foundation Food and Nutrition Programme and will be celebrated under the theme: “Equality and Food Security.”

18 July 2022

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) joins South Africans and the world at large in celebrating the Nelson Mandela Day - 2022, themed “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” to highlight the plight of food security and climate change.

In 2009, when the United Nations General Assembly declared Nelson Mandela’s birthday, the 18th of July, as Nelson Mandela International Day, Madiba called on the people of the world to honour him by helping their communities.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

12 July 2022

The SAHRC in the Eastern Cape has noted through various reports and community engagements complaints relating to the right to a healthy environment within the Buffalo City Municipality. This includes concerns relating to the spilling of sewage into rivers and beaches surrounding local communities and attractions, and the lack of maintenance of key infrastructure in order to prevent ongoing environmental concerns.

Attention: Editors and Reporters
12 July 2022

Over the years, the Commission has received and investigated complaints relating to the placement of markers on holders’ identity documents.
In the various complaints received, the identity document holders alleged that their identity documents were endorsed with markers by the Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) without affording them an opportunity to make representations. They further alleged that the endorsements strip them of their legal identity, make it difficult for them to assert their human rights and deny them opportunities for full participation in social and economic life.

12th July 2022

ATT: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) invites members of the media to the release of its annual complaints Trends Analysis Report (TAR), for the financial year 2020-2021. The report will be released on Wednesday 13 July 2022 to coincide with the Commission’s countrywide Mandela Day activities.

Date: 11 July 2022 

Attention: Editors and Reporters

The SAHRC Chairperson Advocate Bongani Majola conducts a provincial visit in Free State Province from the 11^th to 15^th of July 2022 to address human rights challenges including issues relating to access to healthcare.