SAHRC report reveals 43% compliance with July 2021 unrest recommendations

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said the Department of Social Development (DSD) remains the only government department that has not responded to any of its July 2021 unrest recommendations.

The commission released a report last year detailing its findings into the unrest, which resulted in the deaths of more than 450 people and caused infrastructure damage in excess of R50 billion. The SAHRC has now released a follow-up report tracking the implementation of its recommendations by government departments.

Out of the 28 recommendations made by the SAHRC, only 12 have been fully implemented by government departments, representing a 43% compliance rate.

The commission’s report notes that 10 out of 11 government departments have provided a response on how they plan to implement their respective recommendations.

However, the report highlights that the DSD has not responded to its numerous attempts to obtain an implementation plan. One of the SAHRC’s recommendations was for the department to provide victim support to the survivors of the July unrest nd the families of those who died.

On a positive note, the commission has praised the Presidency’s office, the State Security Agency, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for implementing all of their respective recommendations.