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South African Human Rights Commission's public hearings, a commendable progress
20 September 2007
The South African Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Jody Kollapen, wishes to express satisfaction with the way in which the commission's three day public hearings into human rights violations on farms progressed.
"Over the past three days the commission hosted a large number of role-players in engaging on matters that are sensitive, controversial and complex," he says.
Furthermore, he says the hearings revealed that the commission's recommendations report of 2003 was taken seriously by all role-players. He cites the increased expansion of legal services being provided to farm workers and farm dwellers, the increased capacity in the department of labour's inspectors to carry out inspections on farms, the increased visibility of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with farming communities, and a reduction in crime and violence.
However, he adds that despite this laudable progress, there are still challenges that still need to be dealt with. Notable ones, the Extension of Security of Tenure Act of 1997 makes it a criminal offence for farmers to evict farm dwellers illegally, yet these kinds of evictions still continue. Added to that are also the ongoing legal evictions, and conceptual differences in the use and ownership of land.
Another challenge is the increase in incidents of sexual violence and sexual harassment of girl children, lack of confidence in the criminal justice system, distrust between the police and the farming community, and poor relations which are bedevilled by amongst others, continued evictions and poor labour relations.
"We were able to conduct the hearings with professionalism and integrity and once again all those who interacted with the Commission were appreciative of the role we are able to play in this area," he says.
The commission is in the process of putting together a recommendations report which will be released soon.
Enquiries:
Vincent Moaga
Cell: 073 562 9866
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
20 September 2007