01 May 2019

The Equality Court heard the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the South African Human Rights Commission argue that the old flag is the most visible remaining symbol of apartheid and white supremacy, and its display was equivalent to hate speech, while Afriforum – while agreeing the flag should not be displayed – argued it should not be equated to hate speech.

30 April 2019

Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga has lashed out at eThekwini Metro Mayor Zandile Gumede after her office failed to attend an on-site inspection of the troubled Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi on Tuesday.

2 May 2019

Mayor Zandile failed to attend an on-site inspection of the troubled Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi.
Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga has lashed out at eThekwini Metro Mayor Zandile Gumede after her office failed to attend an on-site inspection of the troubled Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi this past Tuesday.
The hostel visit was meant to establish how much progress the municipality has made since meeting with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Malunga’s office on March 14.
Malunga says the municipality has failed to maintain the upkeep of the hostel and the hostel dwellers are living in inhumane conditions.
 
Source: SABC

02 May 2019
 
Representatives of the Hornlee community in Knysna say they and the town council have been summoned to appear before the South African Human Rights Commission for a hearing over the disputed installation of prepaid water meters in their area.

01 May 2019

Introducing the report, John Jeffery, Deputy Minister at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development of South Africa, recalled that the horror of torture was embedded in South Africa’s history and that its past bore memories of widespread and institutionalized torture, which for the apartheid security forces had been a matter of routine.  South Africa had enacted the Prevention and Combatting of Torture of Person Act in 2013, while the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act had removed the previous 20-year statute of limitation in respect of torture.  The principle of non-refoulement had been firmly codified in the Anti-Torture Act and the Refugees Act. 

03 May 2019
Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) will conduct a joint site inspection with the Office of the Public Protector in Alexandra tomorrow.

30 April 2019
Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) will hold a public meeting in Ivory Park, Midrand on Thursday, 02 May 2019, to address service delivery concerns identified in a memorandum delivered to the Commission on 23 April 2019. The Community of Ivory Park has raised issues relating to the provision of basic services, the formalisation of informal settlements and the allocation of title deeds.

Attention Editors and Reporters
26th April 2019

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) celebrates twenty five years of democracy with all in South Africa.

Through negotiation and dialogue, South Africa managed to rid itself of a dark history based on the inequality of colonialism and apartheid. The 27th April 1994, marks the date South Africa held its first truly inclusive, free and fair democratic elections. For the first time, all could participate in a fundamental expression of civil and political rights and vote in a national election and choose their political leadership despite race, gender or class.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

Wednesday, 24 April 2019

On 28 March 2019, both houses of parliament ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). The OPCAT establishes international and domestic mechanisms of torture prevention through a system of regular visits to places of deprivation of liberty in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 

17 April 2019
Attention: Editors

The South African Human Rights Commission (“The Commission”) will host an inquiry into the recent violent protests in Alexandra Township. This inquiry will form part of the Commission’s investigation, in collaboration with the Public Protector’s office into the service delivery complaints that have given rise to the protests.