REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS
and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
Development
of
a
Government
Communication
Strategy.
The IMC noted and adopted that with immediate effect, Government Communication
and Information System (GCIS) will spearhead an effective and aggressive
communication strategy to counter and mitigate the risk posed by the unbalanced
media reports which still instil fear about possible attacks. Government categorically
stated that takes the threats of violence against foreign nationals seriously and
reiterated that any attacks are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.140
215.
The National Summit on Social Cohesion was held on 4-5 July 2012 at Walter Sisulu
Square of Dedication, Kliptown, Soweto to review progress made in creating a caring and
proud South African society and to provide a platform to discuss the National Strategy
for Developing and Inclusive South African society. The summit adopted a Declaration
and Programme of Action. The declaration acknowledges the challenges faced by South
Africa in building a non-racial, non-sexist and united society after the dawn of our
constitutional democracy. Furthermore, the summit recognises that social cohesion
depends to a large measure on our ability, as society, to address this challenge.
Applicable case law
216.
During the period under review, there were judgments of note, for instance in the case
of Khosa v Minister of Social Development.141 In this case the Constitutional Court held
that non-nationals with permanent resident status in South Africa are entitled to social
grants.
Article 13: Right to participate in government
217.
Political rights are enshrined in section 19 of the Constitution.142
218.
During the period under review, there were two national and provincial elections (2004
and 2009) and two local government elections (2006 and 2011).
140
Media Statement by GCIS, 8 July 2010
2004 (6) SA 505 (CC)
142
S 19 “(1) Every citizen is free to make political choices, which includes the right –
(a) to form a political party;
(b) to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for, a political party; and
(c) to campaign for a political party or cause.
(2) Every citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections for any legislative body established in terms of
the Constitution.
(3) Every adult citizen has the right –
(a) to vote in elections for any legislative body established in terms of this Constitution, and to do so in secret,
and
(b) to stand for public office and, if elected, to hold office.”
141
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