South Africa: Emfuleni Local Municipality Human Rights Celebration

The Human Rights Awareness Campaign held in Emfuleni Local Municipality on 12 May 2026 brought together community members, stakeholders, and Sunrise Campaign beneficiaries for an impactful engagement on human rights and available support services.

Naledi Masipa shared more information about Genderlinks, overview on Sunrise Campaign and more details about Sunrise Campaign. She further encouraged participants to make use of the stakeholders.

A testimony was shared by Ms Mabuya, one of the Sunrise Campaign beneficiaries. She spoke about her journey from being in an abusive relationship and losing hope in life to becoming empowered through the Sunrise Campaign. She thanked Naledi Masipa and the Sunrise Campaign for the knowledge and support she received throughout her journey. Ms Mabuya also shared that she started a livestock business and has employed one person to assist in the business.

Three commissions were formed for group discussions and presentations on the following topics:

Commission 1: Legal Aid Board SA

• What is your understanding of Customary marriage and divorce?

• What is your understanding of the rights of the following people in eviction case?

1. Property owners

2. Tenants

Commission 2: Public Protector 

• What is your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Public Protector?

Commission 3: Department of Social Development 

• What are the rights of the elderly and people living with disabilities?

The purpose of these sessions was to assess participants’ knowledge and understanding of the services offered by the stakeholders present. Stakeholders monitored the discussions, and participants later presented their findings.

Mr Tatase Sebesho, outreach officer from Public Protector South Africa, presented on the role and services of the institution. He explained that Public Protector South Africa is a Chapter Nine institution that protects constitutional rights and addresses issues related to abuse of power, unfair conduct, and undue delays in service delivery. He highlighted that denying service delivery is a violation of human rights. He further explained different forms of abuse, including financial, sexual, and political abuse, as well as poor administration in health facilities, such as lost files and unfair treatment. Participants were encouraged to report all forms of abuse, and it was emphasized that the services provided by the office are free of charge. Brochures with contact details were distributed to participants.

The second presentation was delivered by Mr Jeff Bopape from Legal Aid South Africa. He explained that everyone has the right to legal representation if they cannot afford an attorney. Mr Bopape discussed customary marriages, emphasizing the importance of registering such marriages and seeking legal assistance where necessary. He also explained that property ownership belongs to the person whose name appears on the title deed. In addition, he discussed land claims and stated that claims can only be made if a person has occupied the land for more than 30 years. Participants were encouraged to regularly verify ownership documents and seek assistance from the municipality where needed. He concluded by assuring participants that the Legal Aid office remains open to assist community members.

Representatives from the Department of Social Development, Ms Lettie and Ms Duduzile Maseko, also delivered presentations. Ms Lettie explained that her department works with older persons and individual cases. She highlighted services such as home-based care, retirement villages, and family mediation, while encouraging participants to report abuse against older persons.

Ms Duduzile Maseko spoke about services for persons with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 59. She emphasized that persons with disabilities have the right to work and access opportunities according to their qualifications. She further explained that the department provides healthcare services, residential facilities, and protective workshops for people living with disabilities. Participants were encouraged to report all forms of abuse and discrimination.

The programme concluded with participants touring Sharpeville and the Sharpeville Museum, where they learned more about the history and significance of Sharpeville in South Africa’s human rights journey.

Stakeholders:

1. Legal Aid Board SA- Legal Aid Board SA

2. Public Protector Office- Public Protector Office 

3. Department Of Social Development- Department of Social Development - Home

4. Emfuleni Local Municipality - Emfuleni Local Municipality – Vaal River City, the Cradle of Human Rights 

5. Sunrise Campaign- Sunrise Campaign