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As Human Rights Month draws to a close, South Africa should never let the sun set on inclusive human rights for all its people if it is to fully embody and honour the Constitution.

This year’s Human Rights Month is observed under the theme: “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real”, marking 30 years of the Constitution.

“In South Africa, we’ve made progress in a number of areas. You will recall that we are coming from a long history — 350 years of dispossession, genocide, slavery and massive displacement of people. When we measure ourselves, we need to measure against that history.

“Measured against that, we’ve made significant progress. Compared to 1994, many more children are going to school. Many people now have houses, and there has been provision of water and electricity,” South African Human Rights (SAHRC) Commissioner, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi, told SAnews.gov.za.

He also pointed to the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial Elections as evidence that the right to vote is guaranteed.

“Of course, we had the 2024 general elections and those went very well. It shows that there is a guarantee of the right to vote, which is a positive,” he said.

However, while good strides have been made, the Commission’s State of Human Rights Annual Report 2024/25 highlights issues that still need addressing.

“I can give you one concrete example: Section 27 of the Bill of Rights guarantees the right to water, electricity, shelter and food. We receive many complaints in this category. A lot of people are still deprived of clean, accessible water, and many communities still rely on the bucket system for sanitation,” he said.

Gender-based violence, which has become entrenched, as well as crime, are among the other pressing concerns.

“When you look at basic services — access to water, electricity, healthcare, and participation in democratic processes at a local level — there’s still a long way to go. Crime has impinged on human rights. We warn that the overall picture is not looking good, and that this is a ticking timebomb, unless it is addressed,” he said.

The SAHRC is a Chapter 9 institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promoting respect for, observance of, and protection of human rights for everyone, without fear or favour.

Progress or regression?

Asked whether the country is making progress or regressing in terms of human rights, the Commissioner, who is also a lecturer, said: “It’s one step forward, two steps back sometimes, as I always say to my students.”

The Commission deals with between 6 000 and 8 000 complaints a year, indicating that citizens are aware of its existence and the services it offers.

“It tells you that people are aware of the Human Rights Commission, that they have faith in it and trust it. That is a positive. It shows that people have faith in democratic institutions and are using them. More profoundly, it shows that people are aware of their rights and are able to assert them,” he said.

Inequality 

However, the other side of the coin highlights the need to address persistent inequality across society.

According to Madlingozi, the Commission’s State of Readiness of Schools Report for the 2026 academic year shows that impoverished learners face challenges that include poor infrastructure and a lack of science labs and libraries.

In addition, dysfunctionality in some municipalities remains a concern. The Commission has conducted several service delivery inquiries in the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga provinces.

“Local government is the coalface of service delivery. When that level is dysfunctional, corrupt, or lacks capacity — where there are low-skilled municipal managers and CFOs –people are unable to access their basic rights,” he said.

National Days

South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day on 21 March annually, marking the tragic events of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, when the apartheid regime killed 69 peaceful protestors.

The Commissioner emphasised the importance of national days.

“They are very necessary. Too often in South Africa, there is what we call collective amnesia — a forgetting of where we come from — which leads to taking our rights for granted. We find people not asserting their rights as they should.

“We don’t celebrate Human Rights Day or Freedom Day; we commemorate them. We use these days for critical reflection in a bifocal manner. We look back at where we come from, honestly and critically, and we look forward at what we need to do to redouble our efforts to improve the state of human rights.

“These days allow us to gather at workshops, rallies and stadiums to honour those who laid down their lives for this freedom. They are moments to pause, reflect, and highlight areas for improvement so that we can move forward with determination and honesty,” he explained.

Strengthening human rights

The Professor stated that “proper redistribution” is necessary to strengthen human rights.

“We make no apology as a Commission in saying that there is no justice without reparation, without redress, and without honesty about what happened in the past.

“Constitutional literacy is very important. Everyone should have a copy of the Constitution either downloaded on their phone or obtained from the Department of Justice, GCIS, or the Commission. People need to take an interest in their rights so that there is a sense of responsibility as active citizens.”

He added that State institutions must do more to popularise the Constitution and foster active citizenship, stressing that rights come with responsibilities.

This responsibility extends to children, with the Commission having launched the Rights and Responsibilities of Learners campaign this month.

“A lot of children are aware of their rights, but not their responsibilities. We see bullying, revenge porn, and even cases where children have died by suicide due to bullying. If we do not inculcate responsibility at that level, we will not go far.”

Professor Madlingozi, who leads the Anti-racism, Education and Equality office at the Commission, said there is a need to develop the next generation of socially conscious and constitutionally aware citizens.

“We have to start with learners,” he said.

Hate Speech Act

In May 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. The Act outlaws hate crimes and hate speech, and provides for the prosecution of offenders. However, its regulations are yet to be promulgated, with public input having closed at the end of January 2026.

Madlingozi said the Commission had long advocated for such legislation.

“In the past, cases of hate speech were dealt with in the Equality Court or through mediation. But we have seen that for some offenders, that is not enough. There needs to be a criminal offence so that people understand there are consequences to being racist, homophobic or sexist.

“We are very happy that the President has signed the Act. The draft regulations that will bring it into force have now been published,” said the Commissioner.

He explained that the Act creates a distinct category of hate crimes.

“In the past, these were treated like other crimes such as assault or murder. Now, if the motivation is based on racism, homophobia or xenophobia, it is classified as a hate crime, meaning the punishment reflects that aggravation.”

The Act also clearly defines hate speech.

“All of us have the right to freedom of expression. We are even free to insult one another, and podcasts can provoke. What you are not allowed to do, based on somebody’s colour, race, sexuality or class, is to propagate hatred with the intention to demean them. That is hate speech.

“For the first time, there will be clarity on this issue that 31 years into democracy, we are still dealing with.”

He added that hate speech continues to echo the country’s past.

“Hate speech continues. It harks back to our past and it continues to really create a society where some people have a sense of superiority, and some people are deemed to be less than human,” he said as he also confirmed that the Commission had submitted comments on the draft regulations.

Bringing the Constitution to life

As the country also celebrates the anniversary of the Constitution, Madlingozi has urged South Africans to interest themselves with Constitutional matters.

“I hear people speak of rights that are not in the Constitution… as an example, there’s no right to land in the Constitution, which is available in all languages, including Braille. You can’t commemorate something that you don’t know. I’ve been teaching law for the past 24 years. I don’t know the Constitution off by heart, but I carry the Constitution with me so I can refer to it at any time.

“The Constitution is a document; it needs to be brought to life. It needs to be embodied in everything that we do. Apart from constitutional literacy, there needs to be everyday action to embody constitutional values and constitutional promises, and it starts with small things, like how do we talk to one another when we call radio stations (for example)? 

“We need to embody values of dignity, respect, empathy and ubuntu. That’s how we make the Constitution realisable.”

The Commissioner, who also teaches on human rights systems in South Africa and Vienna, Austria, said citizens can embody the Constitution, for example, by respecting the country’s infrastructure, when protesting.

“The Constitution is only a document; it can only come to life if all of us do the right thing. We’ve made some progress as a country, but the road is still long because we come from a long history of settler colonisation. But if all of us, in everyday simple acts, do the right thing, we will see the needle moving as far as constitutional promises are concerned,” he said.  –SAnews.gov.za 

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The Gauteng Provincial Government, through the Gauteng Department of Social Development, has successfully launched the Gauteng Food Distribution Centre, marking a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing efforts to combat hunger, improve food security, and contribute towards building the capacity of the state to deliver services.

The launch, held on Sunday, 22 March 2026, formed part of the “Fetsa Tlala – Leaving No One Behind” programme, which is aimed at addressing poverty, reducing food insecurity, and supporting vulnerable communities across Gauteng.

The newly launched Food Distribution Centre will serve as a central hub for the collection, storage, and distribution of food supplies. It is expected to strengthen partnerships with non-profit organisations, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders, while improving coordination, reducing food wastage, and ensuring that food reaches those who need it most.

The department’s food relief programme currently reaches over 400 000 beneficiaries. Through the accelerated food distribution programme, the department created about 70 job opportunities.

It is envisaged that through this programme more sustainable job opportunities will be created. 

Speaking at the event, MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to building a caring and inclusive society through responsive and impactful social interventions.

“The establishment of the Food Distribution Centre, demonstrates government’s continued dedication to ensuring that no resident of Gauteng goes hungry and that communities are supported with dignity and care,” Mazibuko said.

She reaffirmed the provincial government committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to expand access to food relief and create sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality. – SAnews.gov.za

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EThekwini Municipality has achieved a significant milestone in its campaign to position Durban as Africa’s premier superyacht destination, following a successful visit to the Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) conference in Viareggio, Italy.

The delegation, comprising Inner City Regeneration Programme Manager Lungelo Buthelezi and Nomalanga Sokhela from the Economic Development Directorate, engaged global shipyards, captains, manufacturers, and investors.

They were supported on the ground by Brian Ngiba, Managing Director of Ziziba Holdings, Navigo’s strategic local partner.

A major highlight of the visit was the ceremonial handover of the Letter of Intent (LOI) between eThekwini Municipality and Navigo, custodians of the YARE programme and widely regarded as the global leader in superyacht destination development.

The LOI, signed by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, was formally presented by Buthelezi to Navigo President Katia Balducci at a high-profile event attended by industry leaders and international media in Italy.

Through this partnership, Navigo has confirmed its commitment to mobilise significant private-sector investment towards Durban’s superyacht infrastructure and refit capabilities, with projected investment estimated at over R1.9 billion.

The delegation also extended formal invitations to over 100 superyacht captains and more than 100 global yacht manufacturers to attend the YARE Symposium to be held in Durban in November this year.

Durban will become the first African city ever to host this globally recognised event.

Buthelezi said sentiments from shipyards and captains have been positive, signalling strong confidence in Durban’s emerging value proposition and market potential.

‘The anticipated economic impact of this partnership is significant. Projections indicate that more than 2,500 direct jobs could be created by 2030 across marine engineering, refit services, advanced manufacturing, and tourism,” Buthelezi said.

Parallel to this, eThekwini and the Durban University of Technology are advancing plans for Africa’s first Professionalised Superyacht Academy, which will train young South Africans in high-demand skills such as welding, marine engineering, and advanced composites fabrication.

Throughout the recent visit, Durban’s delegation held strategic engagements with senior executives from leading shipyards.

The city’s proposed superyacht precinct, located on a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban, was presented as a compelling and competitive offering for future investment.

In terms of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Ship Repair Strategy (2025-2035), this site is specifically reserved for the refit market, which includes superyacht servicing and maintenance, a key selling point for international investors.

Reflecting on the historic moment, Buthelezi said that presenting the signed LOI to Navigo’s leadership on behalf of the City Manager was an honour.

“The ceremony signalled Durban’s readiness and unwavering commitment to establishing a world-class superyacht ecosystem,” Buthelezi said.

Navigo President Katia Balducci affirmed the organisation’s confidence in Durban, stating: “This partnership represents the beginning of a historic chapter for Africa’s participation in the global superyacht industry. Durban has the vision, the infrastructure, and the commitment to succeed.”

Buthelezi said the municipality is currently moving into the next phase of implementation.

‘Preparations are underway to host the YARE Symposium in Durban this November, alongside detailed planning for the proposed superyacht precinct.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Public employment programmes must not entrench dependency, but create pathways to skills, work experience, and long-term opportunities.

This was a message delivered by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the 2026 Annual Labour School held at Kevits Kroon in Pretoria on Sunday.

Addressing delegates, the Deputy President said South Africa stands at a “decisive moment” in its democratic journey, where policy choices and collective action will shape the country’s economic and social future.

He called on organised labour and broader society to return to the foundational principles of the liberation struggle, anchored in three enduring pillars, including mobilisation, education, and unity.

“These pillars must guide us as we confront the defining challenges of our time [including] global economic instability, widening inequality, and the disruptive impact of technological change,” the Deputy President said.

Mashatile traced the roots of labour activism to historic milestones such as the 1973 Durban strikes, when mass strikes revived Black unionism and the fire that forced recognition of Black unions in 1979, and the formation of Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985, which played a pivotal role in undermining apartheid.

He also acknowledged the contributions of other labour formations, including the National Council of Trade Unions, the Federation of Unions of South Africa, and the more recent South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), which emerged to continue the fight against job losses, inequality, and poverty.

The Deputy President warned that unemployment, particularly among young people, alongside deepening inequality and persistent poverty, continue to scar our nation.

“These challenges must never be normalised,” he said, calling for a unified response bringing together workers, unions, communities, government, and society at large.

Mashatile outlined the priorities of the 7th Administration, which include driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

He noted that the 2026/27 Budget continues to prioritise social protection, with the social wage accounting for more than 60% of non-interest spending. At the same time, he said, government is expanding employment opportunities through infrastructure investment and the Presidential Employment Stimulus, particularly targeting young people and women.

Structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela are also addressing constraints in energy and logistics, laying the foundation for sustained, inclusive growth.

While acknowledging that the economy grew by 1.1% in 2025, with inflation eased to 3.0% in February 2026, Mashatile warned that economic growth must translate into meaningful job creation.

“Growth without jobs is not enough. True progress is measured not in statistics, but in lives uplifted, dignity restored and hope renewed,” the Deputy President said.

He stressed that public employment programmes must be designed to build skills and create sustainable opportunities rather than fostering dependency.

“This is how a capable state acts, protecting the vulnerable today while building productive capacity for tomorrow.’

Mashatile said formal employment is shrinking while precarious work is on the rise, leaving many workers live with uncertainty.

He called for stronger protections against exploitation, expand access to secure employment, and enforce health and safety standards without compromise.

“No worker should lose their life or livelihood due to non-compliance,” he said.

Mashatile also urged trade unions to evolve beyond traditional wage negotiations to play a more active role in shaping macroeconomic policy, supporting labour-intensive investment, and driving skills development and job creation.

As Chair of the Human Resource Development Council, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning education and training with labour market needs.

Technology must empower workers, not replace them

The Deputy President highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence across sectors, such freight logistics at Transnet and energy, warning that technological change must not come at the expense of workers’ dignity.

“While these innovations improve efficiency, they also reshape jobs and demand new skills. Our responsibility is clear, no worker must be managed or dismissed by an algorithm alone; workers must share in productivity gains; displaced workers must be retrained and supported,” he said.

Mashatile also challenged labour federations to consider developing a Digital Workers’ Charter, grounded in the right to retraining; data sovereignty; digital dignity; human oversight in all automated systems.

On social challenges, he acknowledged the housing difficulties faced by many public servants who fall outside eligibility for subsidised housing but cannot afford mortgage finance. He noted that government is working on innovative housing solutions that ensure access to affordable, quality housing.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening social dialogue through platforms such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon attend South Africa’s LIV Golf tournament at Steyn City in Johannesburg.

The event marks the first time the LIV Golf League is being staged on African soil, and the first edition in South Africa, making it a historic new addition to the continent’s growing schedule of international events.

The LIV Golf League is regarded as a revolutionary professional golf format designed to complement traditional tournaments while bringing new levels of excitement and engagement to fans and players alike.

With events across the world, LIV Golf aims to revitalise the sport, attract new audiences, and create innovative traditions while remaining rooted in the sport’s heritage.

Its global social programs also seek to positively impact the lives of young people across communities.

“The South African edition represents a unique opportunity to showcase the country as a premier sporting destination while inspiring a new generation of golfers and sporting enthusiasts,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The four-day Steyn City competition features top international players, including first-rate South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africa has reiterated its commitment to translating global commitments into concrete national programmes that advance the rights, dignity and empowerment of all women and girls.

The commitment was made at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026.

South Africa concluded its participation at CSW70 with a renewed pledge to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through strong multilateral cooperation and decisive national action.

Led by Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, the South African delegation joined the global community to review progress, share best practices, and reinforce collective efforts to accelerate gender equality.

During the session, South Africa reaffirmed the enduring importance of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a cornerstone global framework for advancing women’s rights and achieving substantive equality for women and girls.

The country used the CSW70 platform to highlight several priorities. These included the need for stronger multilateral cooperation to address persistent gender inequalities and to ensure that international commitments translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.

South Africa also underscored the urgency of advance access to justice, calling for the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies and practices that undermine gender equality and restrict women’s participation in society.

In addition, the delegation emphasised the importance of addressing structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s full economic, political, and social participation. This includes intensified efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promote women’s leadership, and ensure equal access to economic opportunities.

“South Africa [further] reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices and experiences of women from the Global South are reflected in global decision-making processes,” the department reported in a statement on Sunday.

In a significant development, South Africa was appointed to serve in the CSW70 communications work group, reinforcing the country’s growing leadership role in advancing global gender equality.

Acting in its capacity as Interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa also presented a Resolution on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS on behalf of the bloc’s 16 Member States. The resolution was adopted by consensus during the closing session of CSW70.

“South Africa remains steadfast in its conviction that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital foundation for a peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” the department said.

The country has committed to continue to collaborate with the international community to ensure that the outcomes of CSW70 contribute meaningfully to both global and domestic efforts to build inclusive societies where women and girls can thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has called on districts that are yet to receive vaccinations against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to prepare adequately, and to present their cattle at dip tanks as scheduled.

As vaccination efforts are underway in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality within the Harry Gwala District, the MEC has encouraged farmers across the province to get ready for their turn to receive vaccines manufactured in Türkiye.

Madlopha-Mthethwa said a total of 73 451 vaccinations have been administered on 85 dairy farms across three municipalities in Harry Gwala District’s four municipalities. These include Greater Kokstad (29 399), Johannes Phumani Phungula (16 405) and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (28 007).

She noted that vaccination teams have performed 75 dip tanks in the uMzimkhulu area, bringing the total number of vaccinations in the Harry Gwala District to more than 103,300. Vaccinations are set to continue until the weekend in uMzimkhulu and in selected locations within Greater Kokstad.

This includes 9,119 vaccines administered on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in uMzimkhulu, which has the largest cattle population in the district.

Following a demonstration of vaccine administration at Mhlaba dip tank, the MEC urged other districts to start preparations ahead of the rollout.

“We are encouraged to see many livestock farmers visiting our dip tanks to have their cattle vaccinated. After wrapping up in Harry Gwala District, we will proceed to other districts,” the MEC said.

She commended dedicated teams, led by department’s veterinary services, for their efforts in administering the vaccines, adding that the province aims to ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage.

“Our goal is to ensure every cattle in the province receives this crucial vaccination. We are leaving no one behind. We will announce vaccination dates for other districts soon and request that everyone to be prepared,” the MEC said.

A local livestock farmer at Mhlaba Diptank, Pheza Madziba, welcomed the initiative and called for sustained government support.

“We appreciate the MEC’s efforts in ensuring our cattle are vaccinated. She has come down and rolled her sleeves by administering vaccines. We would also like to request the department to continue with vaccinations even during winter seasons, as well as animal supplements to boost the immune system of our livestock,” Madziba said.

The MEC urged farmers to cooperate with government by adhering to strict biosecurity measures, including animal control restrictions.

“We also request that your livestock not be allowed to roam around freely on roads and in people’s fields. We do not allow livestock to be transported without valid veterinary permits,” she said.

Meanwhile, dairy farmers represented by the Milk Producers Organisation have administered 74 000 doses out of the 90 000 allocated.

According to the department, the organisation represents a cattle population of approximately 180 000 dairy animals in the Harry Gwala District. – SAnews.gov.za

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