Government has also registered progress in its quest to comply with domestic and international obligations in
ensuring gender equity in political representation. South Africa ratified the 2008 SADC Protocol on Gender and
Development which requires a 50/50 representation of women in political leadership by 2015. Between 2004
and 2009, women’s representation in Parliament has increased considerably from 27.8% to 44.0%. Furthermore,
women’s representation in Cabinet has increased from 27% in 1994, to 41% in 2009. In addition, five of the
nine provincial Premiers are women. Likewise, women’s representation in provincial legislatures has increased
considerably from 24% in 1994, to 50% in 2009.
4.3 Access to information on human rights and institutions of justice
The advancement of human rights and the promotion of democracy are pillars on which South Africa’s Constitution
rests. One of the government’s main projects that seeks to raise public awareness and access to information on
human rights is the Know Your Service Rights Campaign, which was launched in 2007.
During the period under review Phase II of the Campaign was strengthened. This phase offers communities
information about the laws, government services, and recourse options available to them, in the form of a publication
and an internet database. The publication and database include information on rights related to the structures of
the Criminal Justice System, the powers of the police, child justice, access to courts, and correctional services,
amongst others. The campaign booklets have been published in all eleven official languages, with the aim of
inclusively reaching those who may otherwise not understand other languages outside their mother- tongues.
Similarly, government has developed the Customer Charter and Services Booklets in order to inform the public
about its services. Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Public
Schools have also been developed and these have been widely distributed in schools. Draft materials which are
intended to improve understanding of democratic values, human rights and gender equity amongst young people
have also been finalized.
In compliance with the task of educating society about their rights as contained in the Promotion of Administrative
Justice Act (PAJA), the government has conducted community awareness campaigns using regional radio stations
and has also conducted training sessions with different organs of state. These interventions will assist in the
institutionalization of the promotion of fair and impartial administration in the Public Service.
4.4 Tackling Corruption
The fight against corruption remains a key priority for the country. A number of initiatives and structures have been
created to reduce the level of corruption and strengthen the national integrity system. The establishment of the
Special Anti-corruption Unit and the local government anti-corruption inspectorate unit to investigate and manage
disciplinary processes in the three sphere of government ; the establishment of the Multi-Agency Working Group
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