Civil society groups, community leaders, and humanitarian organisations have formally called for the dissolution of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing the constitutional body of failing to protect citizens amid escalating tensions over undocumented migration.
During an urgent virtual Imbizo attended by over 400 participants, speakers voiced strong criticism of the commission’s mandate and operations. “Where is this organization standing for us? When we are being maltreated, when we are being forced into the corners, when we are being criminalized… when we are being raped, when we are being kidnapped, when we are being subjected to prostitution, the South African Human Rights Commission needs to be dismantled,” stated one community representative. “This organization is useless to the core.”
Participants, including representatives from Operation Dudula and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), raised concerns about the perceived influx of undocumented foreign nationals and its impact on local communities. They argued that government resources are being diverted to serve undocumented individuals, placing undue strain on public institutions such as healthcare facilities. One speaker questioned the legal implications of community-led verification efforts: “If Operation Dudula goes to the hospital and asks for identification from foreign nationals, illegal immigrants, what specific offense are we committing?”
Additional submissions highlighted alarming claims regarding child safety, with allegations that criminal elements from outside the country are exploiting vulnerable children for drug trafficking. “We have allocated couple of houses where organizations that help children that are victims of drug dealers… children that have been taken from the police stations and brought into safe houses,” a community leader noted, emphasizing the need for protective intervention.
Criticism also extended to the format of the engagement itself. Some participants questioned the accessibility of a virtual platform, noting that it excludes marginalized communities lacking reliable internet access. “It doesn’t represent the minority, the marginalized community that are affected daily,” one attendee remarked.
In response, a spokesperson for the South African Human Rights Commission acknowledged the feedback. “We indeed might not be everywhere as a commission. Yes, we are. We really accept the criticism. I think that is very positive,” the spokesperson stated. They further affirmed the commission’s readiness to collaborate: “We have provisional offices. We are more than willing to work with any organization including SANCO.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a separate statement calling for greater social cohesion. Released on Africa Day, the statement emphasized the continent’s shared commitment to unity, liberation from colonialism and apartheid, and collective action against socioeconomic challenges. “It is therefore fitting to recall the significance of these interconnected documents which have deep roots in this country’s own struggle for equality, dignity and justice,” the UN representative stated.
Notably, organizations representing foreign nationals across the continent did not present submissions during the session. The Imbizo concluded with continued calls for the SAHRC to uphold its constitutional mandate and actively help mitigate the current crisis, even as demands for its restructuring grow louder among civil society stakeholders.