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23 May 2023
Cholera in Hammanskraal: Don’t drink water from taps – SAHRC Wisani Baloi | 23 May 2023 Commission concerned with outbreak of disease, says source must immediately be identified The South African Human Rights Commission on the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal 23 May 2023 The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) has noted with grave concern the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, North of Pretoria. According to reports, 16 people have so far died as a result of contracting cholera in the area. The Commission also notes that since Monday 15th May 2023, 95 people are reported to have sought treatment for the diarrhoeal disease in Hammanskraal. In addition, reports state that positive lab results of the stool specimens of 19 people who presented at Jubilee District Hospital had symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea. Following the news of the outbreak, the Commission immediately has engaged both the City of Tshwane (CoT) as well as the Provincial Department of Health to seek a full update on measures being put in place to immediately arrest the outbreak, save lives from this disease and to avoid a large-scale and devastating impact of this disease.
Cholera in Hammanskraal: Don’t drink water from taps – SAHRC Wisani Baloi | 23 May 2023 Commission concerned with outbreak of disease, says source must immediately be identified The South African Human Rights Commission on the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal 23 May 2023 The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) has noted with grave concern the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, North of Pretoria. According to reports, 16 people have so far died as a result of contracting cholera in the area. The Commission also notes that since Monday 15th May 2023, 95 people are reported to have sought treatment for the diarrhoeal disease in Hammanskraal. In addition, reports state that positive lab results of the stool specimens of 19 people who presented at Jubilee District Hospital had symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea. Following the news of the outbreak, the Commission immediately has engaged both the City of Tshwane (CoT) as well as the Provincial Department of Health to seek a full update on measures being put in place to immediately arrest the outbreak, save lives from this disease and to avoid a large-scale and devastating impact of this disease.
23 May 2023
One of the key recommendations calling for the national government to take over the running of the city of Tshwane’s water and sanitation due to poor management is yet to be implemented.
Two years ago, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a damning report revealing that the pollution of water resources in Hammanskraal was as a result of failure by the city to maintain wastewater treatment works in the area. It found the city had failed to fulfil its constitutional objectives.
One of the key recommendations calling for the national government to take over the running of the city of Tshwane’s water and sanitation due to poor management is yet to be implemented.
Two years ago, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a damning report revealing that the pollution of water resources in Hammanskraal was as a result of failure by the city to maintain wastewater treatment works in the area. It found the city had failed to fulfil its constitutional objectives.
22 May 2023
The legal subcommittee of the South African Human Rights Commission has recommended that Belinda Magor, the white woman behind the racist WhatsApp voicenote calling for black people to be killed and their genitals removed, be taken to the Equality Court. Commissioner Andre Gaum told Sowetan a full body of commissioners of the SAHRC would meet on Thursday to decide on the recommendation after the settlement negotiations between the commission and Magor failed.
The legal subcommittee of the South African Human Rights Commission has recommended that Belinda Magor, the white woman behind the racist WhatsApp voicenote calling for black people to be killed and their genitals removed, be taken to the Equality Court. Commissioner Andre Gaum told Sowetan a full body of commissioners of the SAHRC would meet on Thursday to decide on the recommendation after the settlement negotiations between the commission and Magor failed.
20 May 2023
The troubled Trompsburg-based Kopanong Local Municipality in the Free State remains the only municipality in the province under water restriction due to its huge debt running into millions of rands. The municipality has been restricted with a 30% water supply from Bloem Water for at least three years. The municipality owes the water board close to R600 million for services rendered. The debt to Bloem Water has gradually increased. In 2020 the municipality owed Bloem Water over R300 million.
The troubled Trompsburg-based Kopanong Local Municipality in the Free State remains the only municipality in the province under water restriction due to its huge debt running into millions of rands. The municipality has been restricted with a 30% water supply from Bloem Water for at least three years. The municipality owes the water board close to R600 million for services rendered. The debt to Bloem Water has gradually increased. In 2020 the municipality owed Bloem Water over R300 million.
19 May 2023
The North We Settlements and Traditional Affairs has acknowledged Rights Commission. The issues are related to blocked projects, not monitoring projects as constant as possible, delay in terminations of contractors who are underperforming and those that the department had cautioned on. The department sat before the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC to respond queries raised by communities, during the commission's inquiry held in Mahikeng recently.
18 May 2023
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) revealed its findings for 2021, with South Africa ranking as one of the lowest in terms of results and trailing well behind the global average.
“Not to mention that over four million learners had actually been impacted and currently there is no coherent plan to accelerate learning and address the backlogs experienced by covid generation or provide quality education to all learners. The minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, went on to list the myriad of interventions aimed at improving reading in South Africa, including the devised national reading plan. However, this is just a long list of items that have led to uncoordinated and ad hoc responses from the provinces,” says the Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission, Andre Gaum who went on to say that if any plan was to succeed, it must be clear on the minimum inputs such as teacher training, learning and teacher support material.
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) revealed its findings for 2021, with South Africa ranking as one of the lowest in terms of results and trailing well behind the global average.
“Not to mention that over four million learners had actually been impacted and currently there is no coherent plan to accelerate learning and address the backlogs experienced by covid generation or provide quality education to all learners. The minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, went on to list the myriad of interventions aimed at improving reading in South Africa, including the devised national reading plan. However, this is just a long list of items that have led to uncoordinated and ad hoc responses from the provinces,” says the Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission, Andre Gaum who went on to say that if any plan was to succeed, it must be clear on the minimum inputs such as teacher training, learning and teacher support material.
17 May 2023
SAHRC observes International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia / MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za. The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC/ Commission) joins the rest of the world to observe International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). This day was created in 2004 to draw worldwide attention to the continued violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people and all of those with diverse gender identities or expressions.
SAHRC observes International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia / MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za. The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC/ Commission) joins the rest of the world to observe International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). This day was created in 2004 to draw worldwide attention to the continued violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people and all of those with diverse gender identities or expressions.
15 May 2023
Following reports that administrative delays in the Eastern Cape’s school nutrition programme caused hundreds of thousands of learners to be deprived of meals last month, the Eastern Cape Department of Education promised to deliver payment to schools by 9 May. Now, human rights groups are investigating to ensure that schools have received their funding, as well as to determine what led to the delay. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) failed to provide more than a million Eastern Cape learners with a daily meal from 12 April due to an “administrative delay”.
Following reports that administrative delays in the Eastern Cape’s school nutrition programme caused hundreds of thousands of learners to be deprived of meals last month, the Eastern Cape Department of Education promised to deliver payment to schools by 9 May. Now, human rights groups are investigating to ensure that schools have received their funding, as well as to determine what led to the delay. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) failed to provide more than a million Eastern Cape learners with a daily meal from 12 April due to an “administrative delay”.
15 May 2023
THE SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC has blamed a lack of funds to conduct research as the reason for not coming up with a stance on race classification. The chapter nine institution came under fire last week by People Against Race Classification Parc who criticised the SAHRC for missing Parliament's deadline to research and come up with a stance on race classification. SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said while the commission indicated to the Select Committee on Petitions and Executive Undertakings that it was willing to assist, it did not undertake to conduct the research in question. "The reason being that research of this nature would entail additional resources to be deployed to the commission," Baloyi said.
THE SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC has blamed a lack of funds to conduct research as the reason for not coming up with a stance on race classification. The chapter nine institution came under fire last week by People Against Race Classification Parc who criticised the SAHRC for missing Parliament's deadline to research and come up with a stance on race classification. SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said while the commission indicated to the Select Committee on Petitions and Executive Undertakings that it was willing to assist, it did not undertake to conduct the research in question. "The reason being that research of this nature would entail additional resources to be deployed to the commission," Baloyi said.
13 May 2023
Parliament approves Sign Language as 12th official language The South African Human Rights Commission welcomes the passing by the National Assembly of the Bill amending section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.The aim of this amendment is to recognise South African Sign Language SASL as one of the official languages of the Republic. The Commission views the adoption of the Bill as a step in the right direction to promote human rights and specifically the rights of persons who use sign language.
Parliament approves Sign Language as 12th official language The South African Human Rights Commission welcomes the passing by the National Assembly of the Bill amending section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.The aim of this amendment is to recognise South African Sign Language SASL as one of the official languages of the Republic. The Commission views the adoption of the Bill as a step in the right direction to promote human rights and specifically the rights of persons who use sign language.
12 May 2023
The South African Human Rights Commission says capacity issues and budget constraints are among the reasons why it's taken the institution nearly two years to compile the final report on the July 2021 unrest.
Looters and vandals ransacked, damaged and destroyed businesses and other properties during the week-long riots fuelled by the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma.
The South African Human Rights Commission says capacity issues and budget constraints are among the reasons why it's taken the institution nearly two years to compile the final report on the July 2021 unrest.
Looters and vandals ransacked, damaged and destroyed businesses and other properties during the week-long riots fuelled by the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma.
12 May 2023
AFTER nearly two decades working at the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC , its former acting CEO, Chantal Kisoon has resigned. Kisoon had been placed on precautionary suspension in March, after allegations emerged that she had referred to senior managers as "black babies". The Chapter 9 institution said an investigation into the matter recommended that a charge of misconduct should be preferred against her. The SAHRC is the national institution established to support our constitutional democracy, by promoting the protection of human rights, and following the incident, Kisoon was criticised for not resigning, given the role of the SAHRC in fighting racism. On March 3, the SAHRC announced that commissioners had resolved to suspend Kisoon and that Lorinda Lynn, the acting CFO, would take over in an acting capacity, pending an investigation.
AFTER nearly two decades working at the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC , its former acting CEO, Chantal Kisoon has resigned. Kisoon had been placed on precautionary suspension in March, after allegations emerged that she had referred to senior managers as "black babies". The Chapter 9 institution said an investigation into the matter recommended that a charge of misconduct should be preferred against her. The SAHRC is the national institution established to support our constitutional democracy, by promoting the protection of human rights, and following the incident, Kisoon was criticised for not resigning, given the role of the SAHRC in fighting racism. On March 3, the SAHRC announced that commissioners had resolved to suspend Kisoon and that Lorinda Lynn, the acting CFO, would take over in an acting capacity, pending an investigation.
11 May 2023
The commission's Andre Gaum says the report was delayed due to report writers who left the SAHRC during the finalisation of the report.
Gaum was responding to questions in Parliament’s Justice and Correctional Services Committee on Wednesday.
The commission's Andre Gaum says the report was delayed due to report writers who left the SAHRC during the finalisation of the report.
Gaum was responding to questions in Parliament’s Justice and Correctional Services Committee on Wednesday.
10 May 2023
Suspended Human Rights Commission acting CEO resigns after alleged racial slur Noxolo Majavu The commission has confirmed to City Press that Kisoon handed over her resignation letter early this month. Photo: SAHRC NEWS The suspended acting CEO of the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Chantal Kisoon, has resigned amid allegations of racist utterances that were levelled against her by senior managers for calling them “black babies”. The commission has confirmed to City Press that Kisoon handed in her resignation letter early this month after an investigation was conducted following allegations that she uttered racist remarks to senior managers during a planning session in February.
Suspended Human Rights Commission acting CEO resigns after alleged racial slur Noxolo Majavu The commission has confirmed to City Press that Kisoon handed over her resignation letter early this month. Photo: SAHRC NEWS The suspended acting CEO of the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Chantal Kisoon, has resigned amid allegations of racist utterances that were levelled against her by senior managers for calling them “black babies”. The commission has confirmed to City Press that Kisoon handed in her resignation letter early this month after an investigation was conducted following allegations that she uttered racist remarks to senior managers during a planning session in February.
10 May 2023
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has not received a budget increase for the current financial year and will struggle to fulfil its mandate.
On Wednesday, the commission presented its budget and annual performance plan to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services.
30 Apr 2023
Civic society organisations have welcomed the establishment of Safe Spaces as a significant step towards addressing homelessness in the city.
The City of Cape Town recently announced a Safe Space in Green Point in addition to the three existing sites.
The safe spaces are aimed at providing more shelter space, basic amenities, and access to social services for persons living on the street and as a stepping stone for those who want help with getting off the street.
Civic society organisations have welcomed the establishment of Safe Spaces as a significant step towards addressing homelessness in the city.
The City of Cape Town recently announced a Safe Space in Green Point in addition to the three existing sites.
The safe spaces are aimed at providing more shelter space, basic amenities, and access to social services for persons living on the street and as a stepping stone for those who want help with getting off the street.
3 April 2023
New SAHRC CEO to bring changes MASHUDU SADIKE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CLIMBING up the ranks, newlyappointed SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC CEO Vusumuzi Mkhize has been passionate about education, human development and wellness.
New SAHRC CEO to bring changes MASHUDU SADIKE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CLIMBING up the ranks, newlyappointed SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC CEO Vusumuzi Mkhize has been passionate about education, human development and wellness.
5th May 2023
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has applauded the passing of the Bill to recognise South African Sign Language (SASL) as the twelfth official language in the country.
The Bill was passed by the National Assembly through the amendment of Section 6 of the Constitution.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has applauded the passing of the Bill to recognise South African Sign Language (SASL) as the twelfth official language in the country.
The Bill was passed by the National Assembly through the amendment of Section 6 of the Constitution.
5 May 2023
What threatens our local government? Asanda Matlhare This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Corruption, mismanagement, service delivery and looting were factors highlighted at Gibs on April 25 during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Helen Suzman Foundation. Bearing the 'reimagining local government' topic in mind, political analyst Lukhona Mnguni said although several issues were threatening the local government sphere, the walltowall municipalities remained a constant issue which still has to be interrogated.
What threatens our local government? Asanda Matlhare This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Corruption, mismanagement, service delivery and looting were factors highlighted at Gibs on April 25 during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Helen Suzman Foundation. Bearing the 'reimagining local government' topic in mind, political analyst Lukhona Mnguni said although several issues were threatening the local government sphere, the walltowall municipalities remained a constant issue which still has to be interrogated.
A school on the West Rand was damaged by a sinkhole in February but three months later, most pupils have not fully returned to the school.
04 May 2023
Schooling has remained interrupted at Relebogile Secondary School with only matriculants attending classes after the school was damaged by a sinkhole three months ago.
The DA joined the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Wednesday for an oversight visit to the school in Khutsong, West Rand. Parts of the school, including the toilets, collapsed into a sinkhole after heavy rains in February. The area is known for dolomite and is prone to sinkholes.
04 May 2023
Schooling has remained interrupted at Relebogile Secondary School with only matriculants attending classes after the school was damaged by a sinkhole three months ago.
The DA joined the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Wednesday for an oversight visit to the school in Khutsong, West Rand. Parts of the school, including the toilets, collapsed into a sinkhole after heavy rains in February. The area is known for dolomite and is prone to sinkholes.
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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.
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