Cape town: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, South African Human Rights (SAHRC) Commissioner, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi, emphasized the progress made since 1994, citing improvements in education, housing, and utility access. He highlighted the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial Elections as evidence of the right to vote being upheld.
Despite advancements, the Commission's State of Human Rights Annual Report 2024/25 underscores ongoing challenges. Madlingozi noted issues with access to basic services such as water and electricity, and the persistence of gender-based violence and crime.
The SAHRC, a Chapter 9 institution, remains committed to promoting human rights without fear or favor. Madlingozi described the country's progress as sometimes being "one step forward, two steps back," while acknowledging the awareness and trust in the Commission evidenced by 6,000 to 8,000 complaints annually.
The Commissioner also discussed the need to address societal inequalities, citing the State of Readiness of Schools Report for 2026, which highlights infrastructure challenges faced by impoverished learners. Dysfunctionality in municipalities, especially in provinces like North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga, remains a concern.
Human Rights Day, commemorated annually on 21 March, serves as a reminder of past struggles, like the Sharpeville massacre of 1960. Madlingozi stressed the importance of national days for reflection and the need to instill a sense of responsibility alongside rights.
The Commissioner called for "proper redistribution" to strengthen human rights and emphasized the importance of constitutional literacy. He urged state institutions to promote the Constitution and foster active citizenship, starting with campaigns like the Rights and Responsibilities of Learners.
In May 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. The Act, long advocated by the Commission, introduces a distinct category of hate crimes and clearly defines hate speech. The regulations are yet to be promulgated, but public input closed in January 2026.
Madlingozi urged South Africans to engage with the Constitution, stressing that it needs to be embodied in everyday actions. He highlighted the importance of values like dignity, respect, empathy, and ubuntu in making the Constitution realisable.
He concluded by urging citizens to respect infrastructure, even during protests, to ensure the Constitution comes to life through collective action. Despite the lengthy road ahead, Madlingozi remains hopeful that everyday actions can advance constitutional promises.