10 May 2024 - 20:03

By Tshepo Madlingozi and Allan Tumbo

On Wednesday the Grand Chamber at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will hear the case of Caster Semenya v Switzerland. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has been granted leave to intervene in the matter as a third-party intervener, or friend of the court. The case before the Grand Chamber was referred by Switzerland after the judgment handed down by the ECHR in July 2023. The judgment found in favour of Semenya, indicating that her rights, as enshrined in the European Convention for Human Rights, to non-discrimination, respect for private life, and to an effective remedy had been violated.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

14 May 2024

The South African Human Rights Commission mourns the passing of former Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro. Her passing is a profound loss for South Africa and its judiciary.

As a member of the first Constitutional Court Bench, and its first black female judge, Justice Mokgoro has contributed to constitutional jurisprudence. Her ground-breaking judgments, and her unwavering dedication to human rights have left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of our country, South Africa. She has paved the way for future generations of jurists.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

14 May 2024

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) welcomes the passage of the Older Persons Amendment Bill. The Older Persons Amendment Bill is a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the rights and welfare of older persons.
This bill, which the Commission has strongly endorsed, is fundamentally about providing a secure and dignified retirement for older individuals. It acknowledges the disturbing trends of neglect and abuse that this demographic can experience, both in care facilities and within their own families. By legislating stringent standards and oversight for old age homes, the bill aims to prevent the kinds of egregious crimes that have previously shocked the nation.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

14 May 2024

The South African Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) will be hosting a multisectoral stakeholder meeting on the promotion of human rights with a specific focus on civil and political rights – the right to vote and the right to citizenship under the theme: “The Impact of Lack of Documentation on the Right to Vote.”

13 May 2024                                                                                            

Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission) has noted with concern the collapse of a building in George, Western Cape on Monday, 06 May 2024.

13 May 2024                                                                                                     

Attention: Editors and Reporters

The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in the Northern Cape Province will be conducting a stakeholder engagement focused on promoting accountability and addressing human rights violations.

Attention: Editors and Reporters

13 May 2024

The North West Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission will convene a series of Strategic Stakeholder Engagements with the North West University (NWU) on 13 and 14 May 2024.

26 Apr 2024

'Fundamental human rights violations contributed to Enyobeni tragedy' SAHRC gives police, BCM, liquor board and health department deadlines to address issues identified in damning report ZIYANDA ZWENI In a scathing rebuke of local, provincial and national state entities, the SA Human Rights Commission has given police, Buffalo City Metro, the provincial liquor board and the health department between one and three months to rectify issues it found contributed to violations offundamental human rights in the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy.

25 Apr 2024

THE South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a threeyearold toddler who died after falling into a pit toilet. Little Unecebo Mboteni fell into the toilet at his creche in Unit 6 in Mdantsane on April 18. Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidoo said they were alerted to the incident after the toddler's death. "It is alleged that on April 18, a threeyearold boy fell into a pit toilet at his creche in Unit 6 in Mdantsane. The child was taken to hospital and died on April 19.

05 Apr 2024

WHILE police and the SA Human Rights Commission SAHRC have launched probes following comments allegedly made by Knysna ward councillor Sharon Sabbagh referring to fellow councillors as "monkeys", the Knysna municipality is also taking action. Sabbagh is accused of breach of conduct, with Knysna Municipality speaker Mncedisi Skosana saying Sabbagh will now face a formal procedure in accordance with the Local Government Municipal Structures Act. He said he has initiated formal procedures following "reasonable suspicion of a breach of conduct".