Attention Editors and Reporters

9th December 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) will be releasing its annual report on trends in human rights violations in South Africa, the Trends Analysis Report for the financial year 2016/2017 on the 10thDecember 2018, at its head office at Braampark, Forum Three, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein.

04 December 2018

Residents of Mpumalanga remain concerned about sewage spillages and wastewater challenges.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has received complaints about alleged sewage spillages and/or the inadequate treatment of wastewater.

04 December 2018

Edward Zuma has until 22 January to pay the outstanding balance owed in his hate speech case, or face an arrest warrant for contempt of court.

The South African Human Rights Commission has asked that Zuma be arrested and held in contempt of court for failing to fully honour a settlement agreement, made by order of the Equality Court, relating to “hate speech” remarks he made in July last year.
In terms of the agreement, signed by Zuma in May this year, he was to pay two under-resourced schools R30 000 each and issue a written apology for his comments in which he accused Derek Hanekom and Pravin Gordhan of being sell-outs.

MEDIA ADVISORY

ATTENTION: EDITORS, PRODUCERS, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL REPORTERS

DATE: 04 December 2018

In his role as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), Professor Mandla Makhanya requested the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in December 2017 to conduct an investigation into allegations and counter-allegations of racism, harassment, bullying and victimisation at UNISA and advise the university on appropriate interventions to address these challenges.

Attention Editors and Reporters

4 December 2018

In November 2018, the SAHRC (the Commission) became aware, through various social media platforms, of a tweet posted by the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Herman Mashaba in which he stated the following “we are not going to sit back and allow people like you to bring us Ebolas in the name of small business. Health of our people first. Our health facilities are already stretched to the limit”.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

04 December 2018

On 05^th December 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission will host roundtable discussions to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Attention Editors and Reporters

4 December 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or SAHRC) condemns the acts of looting and vandalism that occurred at a Vodacom store at the Mall of the North in Polokwane, on Sunday the 2^nd December 2018. The store was stormed and damage was caused by a group of people, allegedly wearing Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) regalia.

14 November 2018

Violent protests at health facilities haven’t only uncovered failings, they have revealed the interconnected nature of the rights we aspire to live


Historically, protest action has been the only social currency people could effectively use to overcome oppression. During apartheid South Africa, violent protests were an arguably justifiable response to the time’s illegitimate and oppressive regime.

26 November 2018

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) welcomes the Xolobeni judgment in which the High Court in Pretoria ruled that the permission of the community is required before mining rights are issued.
Community members have been demanding to assert their right to refuse mining companies the right to extract titanium at the Umgungundlovu area in Xolobeni on the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape. This community raised concerns regarding possible displacement from their homes and grazing lands, as well as environmental degradation.

28 November 2018

The Constitutional Court will on Thursday consider the constitutionality of corporal punishment in the home.
SA's top court prohibited corporal punishment in detention settings in 1995 and in schools in 2000; this case deals with a possible prohibition in the home.