An Inspiring Public Lecture on Human Rights Day on a Deep Dive into the Right to Education in South Africa

The University of Venda (UNIVEN) proudly commemorated Human Rights Day with an insightful public lecture addressing one of the most fundamental rights in any democratic society: The Right to Education. Organised by the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights of the Faculty of Management and Law (FMCL) and the Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication, the event was held at the UNIVEN Research Conference Centre on 18 March 2025. It brought together about 150 participants, including representatives of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Department of Education, Traditional Communities, Non-governmental Organisations, students, and staff members, to engage in a thought-provoking discussion led by an eminent scholar in the field of human rights Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, a full-time Commissioner with South African Human Rights Commission.
Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, a Full-time South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Commissioner In his lecture titled: The Right to Education and its Role in the Resolution of the National Question, Prof Tshepo Madlingozi rose to the occasion and expectations of the event. With his extensive experience in legal and social justice advocacy, Prof Madlingozi unpacked the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all South Africans. He explained that education has a huge role in nation-building, and to ensure this, an academic must see himself first as a member of the community that must be served. Prof Madlingozi highlighted also the role of education in re-membering Africa. This term requires that education for students and scholars should mean identification with the masses and service to Africa. Re-membering Africa is key owing to cross-cutting issues which need to be resolved, including the problems of land dispossession, displacement, racial proletarianisation, cultural subjugation, the irruption of Western modernity and the severance of the cosmic harmony between the land, non-human beings and the onto-triadic community constituted by the living, the living-dead/continuing persons and the yet-to-be-born. He also examined structural issues in South Africa’s education system, including infrastructure deficits, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities. “Reports from different provinces reveal challenges such as inadequate school facilities, lack of scholar transport, pit latrines, and discrimination in schools based on race, culture, and sexual orientation,” he stressed. Prof Madlingozi said SAHRC’s efforts in addressing these concerns include launching investigations, advocating for policy reforms, and promoting diversity and equality through initiatives like the Model School Code of Conduct and the SHiNE campaign.

Additionally, his presentation highlighted broader human rights challenges, including the impact of the July 2021 unrest, ongoing racial discrimination, and the inefficiencies of Equality Courts. He discussed SAHRC’s involvement in legal cases addressing hate speech and unfair discrimination and its role in monitoring and addressing systemic injustices in various sectors. In all, the presentation by Commissioner, Prof Tshepo Madlingozi reinforced the critical role of education in addressing South Africa’s historical injustices and ongoing socio-economic challenges. His presentation emphasised that education should not be seen in isolation but as a tool for nation-building and community service, particularly for the black oppressed community. Prof Madlingozi’s discussion highlights the importance of education in reclaiming African identity, resisting cultural subjugation, and addressing systemic inequalities stemming from colonialism and apartheid. The overall message calls for a reimagined education system and legal framework that actively contributes to social justice, equality, and the recognition of human dignity in post-apartheid South Africa. The lecture was followed by an engaging panel discussion where students, faculty members, and community stakeholders posed questions and shared their perspectives. A common theme in the discussions was the pressing need for government intervention to address infrastructural and resource disparities, especially in rural areas.

THE IMCHPR Joins The South African Human Rights Commission In A Dialogue On Mining The Impact Of Mining Activities On Human Rights & The Protective Role Of Traditional Leaders

Prof. Ademola Jegede, Director of the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples' Rights (IMCHPR), gave a presentation titled The Environmental and Socio-economic Impact of Mining Activities on Human Rights in Indigenous and Traditional Communities. He began by introducing the centre's mandate and activities. He drew a crucial distinction between Indigenous and local people, underscoring the unique rights afforded to Indigenous populations. Prof Jegede then outlined his extensive research on the interface between environmental law and human rights in South Africa. He observed that mineral resources are predominantly located in communities inhabited by Indigenous and local populations, and cautioned against perpetuating a "colonial mentality" that denies Indigenous land ownership. He noted that the global drive to extract minerals and fossil fuels is intensifying the adverse effects on the livelihoods of local communities. Prof Jegede posited that the interests of mining companies and local communities are, in fact, compatible with the development of the economy through the extraction of resources. While mining companies pursue business objectives, localcommunities require development, which mining operations can facilitate. He stressed the imperative for mineral extraction to benefit the communities that bear the brunt of its impacts.

Prof Jegede critiqued the prevailing mining model, which he characterized as prioritizing extractors' benefits over the suffering local communities endured. He advocated for a rigorous intellectual interrogation of this model, emphasizing that extracting resources from underdeveloped Africa has significantly fueled European development. The concrete realities faced by local communities, such as air, water, and noise pollution, were highlighted to illustrate the negative impacts of mining. He proposed adopting a standardized pre-mining engagement process, enabling communities to negotiate their developmental needs and expectations. He further pointed out that extractive activities can undermine access to lands and natural resources vital to their physical well-being, and lead to the loss of sacred sites. Turning to the issue of illegal mining, he questioned who the actual beneficiaries are, and criticized the vagary of laws that criminalize non-conforming economic activities. He cited the criminalization of basic environmental activities, such as the cutting and use of firewood, in particular African regions, despite the dire circumstances of these communities. He then explored the broad spectrum of rights implicated by mining activities, including fundamental rights such as the right to life, health, speech, movement, assembly, and participation. To operationalize his proposal for a standardized engagement process, Jegede recommended adopting and implementing a community-based protocol, ensuring participation, justice, and benefits for local communities. He added to a previous model of solutions that he had proposed to the commission during an earlier inquiry on mining activities.

Prof Ademola Jegede gives an introductory speech commemorating the National Human Rights Day 2025

In his introductory address, Professor Ademola Jegede addressed stakeholders during the Human Rights Day public lecture event hosted by the IMCHPR on 21st March 2025 at the University of Venda Conference Centre. In his address, he stated as follows:

Human Rights Day is a national day that is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. It is a day that holds significance not only for South Africa but the rest of Africa and, indeed, the world. This is especially so in a season such as ours across the globe, where, truth be told, the state of human rights had never been more concerning, and its relevance had never been more contested. The reality speaks for itself; we do not need to light a candle to see the sun; it is apparent. From the rise of authoritarianism to populism and the spread of disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda to the ongoing struggles against poverty and inequality, ego war and aggression, human rights are threatened in different spaces. Yet, the battle to fight for human rights in the face of human wrongs remains as crucial as ever.

Today, for the 2025 National Human Rights Day at the University of Venda, a university known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and engaged scholarship, we gather to reflect on a topic that is an important and core component of the human rights compass. This topic is fundamental to our shared humanity: the right to education. The right to education should not just be some words on paper but must be the bedrock of a just and equitable society, the foundation for building peaceful and prosperous communities.

Allow me to say this: education reduces poverty, decreases social inequalities, empowers women, and helps individuals reach their full potential. It also brings significant economic returns for a country and allows societies to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development. Education is key to achieving all other human rights. But is the right to education in South Africa a hype, or is it a hope? Is it a myth, a mirage or indeed a right in substance? Should it be the national discourse, or a part of the national discourse or apart from it? I am pleased that while I am free to ask all these questions, I do not have to answer them.

To do justice to this pivotal topic and the nagging questions it poses to South African national life, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have been lucky and, at the same time, privileged to find a perfect fit for the topic. In collaboration with our partners, the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights has invited someone to help draw this Leviathan with his intellectual hook.

Professor Tshepo Madlingozi is a Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission and is responsible for the following focal areas: anti-racism, education, and equality. He is also the Chairperson of the Commission’s Legal Committee. Before joining the SAHRC, he was the Centre for Applied Legal Studies Director at the University of the Witwatersrand. He was actively involved in the work of various civil society organisations and initiatives. For thirteen years, from 2005 to 2018, Prof Madlingozi dedicated his efforts to the Khulumani Support Group, serving as the National Advocacy Coordinator and later as Chairperson, supporting the movement's 120,000 members composed of victims and survivors of apartheid. Furthermore, he was pivotal as Chief Panelist for the South African Human Rights Commission Enquiry into Racial Discrimination and other forms of Discrimination in Advertising from 2021 to 2022. He holds academic positions at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam and the Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour to present Prof Tshepo Madlingozi to you to speak to us on the topic titled: The right to education and its role in the resolution of the national question.

THE IMCHPR Charts Course for 2025 with Diverse Stakeholder Input

The Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and People's Rights (IMCHPR) at the University of Venda recently convened a significant strategic planning meeting on January 20, 2025, at the 2 Ten Hotel in Sibasa. The productive session brought together various stakeholders committed to advancing human rights, including representatives from different departments within the University of Venda (Faculty of Management Commerce and Law, Directorate of Research & Innovation, Human Resources, Risk Management, School of Law, Student Representative Council) and external partners from diverse sectors in South Africa, such as JAMMA International the the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria and the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape as well as the as the University of South Africa (UNISA).

The primary focus of the gathering was to review the Centre's impact and achievements throughout 2024, using those insights to shape a robust and effective operational plan for the current year. The collaborative atmosphere fostered rich discussions aimed at enhancing the IMCHPR's contribution to a strong human rights culture.

Professor Ademola Oluborode Jegede, the Director of the IMCHPR, emphasized the importance of collective wisdom, highlighting that the diverse perspectives present from across the University and its external partners would be instrumental in shaping a more impactful and relevant operational plan for 2025.

Key Recommendations Emerging from the Strategic Meeting:

• Enhance Online Presence: Prioritize a significant upgrade of the Centre's website to make it more informative, interactive, and engaging for a wider audience.
• Amplify Public Engagement: Proactively target opinion pieces in local and national newspapers to raise the Centre's profile and contribute to public discourse on human rights issues.
• Strategic Funding Pursuit: Regularly explore funding opportunities on platforms like the National Research Foundation (NRF) and cultivate ready-to-submit proposals for potential donors, including international human rights communities.
• Deepen Institutional and External Relationships: Establish more robust collaborations within the University and with external stakeholders to broaden the Centre's reach and impact.
• Focus Community Engagement: Embark on more targeted community engagement initiatives aligned with the Centre's specific areas of expertise.
• Boost Student Involvement: Develop clear strategies to actively engage University students in the Centre's mandate, potentially through dedicated programs and opportunities
• Explore a Donation Unit: Consider establishing a unit for donations to support students facing financial hardships, as raised by the Student Representative Council.
• Strengthen Research Support: Implement strategies to better assist postgraduate students with their research endeavors within the Centre's focus areas.

The strategic planning meeting concluded with a clear sense of direction and a renewed commitment from all participating organizations to work collaboratively towards strengthening the IMCHPR's role as a vital hub for human rights advocacy, research, and education at the University of Venda and beyond.

What's Next?

The outcomes and key recommendations from this important meeting will now guide the development and implementation of the IMCHPR's activities for 2025. Stay tuned to our website for updates on our upcoming programs and initiatives as we work towards a more vibrant and impactful human rights culture.

The IMCHPR Hosts a Roundtable discussion in collaboration with JAMMA International to discuss the sustainable use of wildlife as it impacts the rights of IPLP in southern Africa.

On the 17th and 18th of October 2023, the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights of the Faculty of Management Commerce and Law, University of Venda, in collaboration with JAMMA International, hosted a Round Table discussion. The event brought together various stakeholders, including the Indigenous Peoples and Local Populations (IPLP), government agencies, conservation organizations, and law enforcement agencies, to engage with the topical issues around the sustainable use of wildlife as it impacts the rights of IPLP in southern Africa. In particular, there were representatives from the Makuya community, Makuleke community, University of Venda, Jamma International, Peace Parks Foundation, Elsie Vaalbooi Foundation, Khomani San Traditional Leader, African Community Conservationists-NPO, G Chabalala Incorporated, Tourism Agencies, and South African Police Services (SAPS).

The collaborative event was a major platform of awareness creation that generated gaps in knowledge and practice for timely and future interventions. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event contributes to the identification of gaps, possible interventions for the challenges posed and the development of sustainable and equitable approaches to wildlife conservation and management in Southern Africa. Below are the highlights of the events.

In commemoration of the Human Rights Day, Advocate Bongani Majola reflects on the right to access health care services in South Africa

On 18 March 2024, the University of Venda’s Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights in the Faculty of Management Commerce and Law hosted a Human Rights Day Public Lecture. The distinguished guest speaker for this event was the former Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission Advocate Bongani Majola. The event aimed at enlightening the University of Venda (UNIVEN) community about the prevalent violations of human rights in South Africa, with a particular focus on the right to healthcare services. During the Public Lecture, Advocate Majola clearly reviewed the state of healthcare services in South Africa and explained strategies that individuals can adopt to advocate for and advance it in their communities.

The lecture served as a significant platform for fostering awareness and understanding, shedding light on existing gaps in knowledge and practice that necessitate both immediate and future interventions. Advocate Bongani Majola, drawing from his extensive expertise in human rights issues in South Africa, helped in identifying challenges, proposed potential interventions, and formulating approaches to effectively promote and advance the human rights of affected populations in the country. The event was attended by 130 participants. Advocate Majola noted that the month of March is commemorated as human rights month, which presents us all with a unique opportunity to reflect on our democracy and its underpinning commitment to human rights.

Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples Rights (IMCHPR) commemorates the International Women’s Day themed: innovation and technology for gender equality

The International Women’s Day originates from the women’s rights movement and has since become a global call to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This is in recognition that there is more work to be done on advancing women’s rights to achieve substantive equality and a reminder that women are the focal point of change. It is for these reasons that the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples Rights (IMCHPR) of the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law, University of Venda organised a symposium to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day under the theme ‘innovation and technology for gender equality’. The event took place at the University’s Research Conference Centre and was attended by staff, students, and stakeholders outside the University.

The IMCHPR presents submissions at the SAHRC Enquiry into the violations of human rights of mining communities in Limpopo Province.

Following the signing of the MOU between Univen and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on the 21st of August 2023, and previous successful engagements between the two entities, the SAHRC invited the University of Venda through the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and People’s Rights (IMCHPR) was invited to an inquiry on the impact of mining activities on human the rights of mining communities in Limpopo. The Ismail Mahomed Centre was requested to make submissions on the impact of mining activities on human rights in Limpopo. This event spanned three days (25 – 27 June 2024).

Mr Ramabaga Thuso and Team (Mr Magau Londani and Innocent) sworn in by the commissioner under oath made contributions to the inquiry, presenting research data on the impact of mining activities on human rights. The presentation was strongly based on the legal framework protecting human rights in at the international, regional and domestic level, emphasising the ample legal protection for the aggrieved communities. The UNDHR, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, South African Constitution and The NEMA Act were among many other cited sources. The suffering of local mining communities and the pleasures that the public enjoy on regular basis was highlighted, the unsafe and uncomfortable mining environment was addressed and that there is a need to protect local communities. Doctrinal references were made from case studies in Mpumalanga and Vhembe District. There was scholarly evidence showing the plight of local communities facing alarming levels of water and air pollution resulting from mining activities. There were high reports of water contamination in areas that generally lack water, dust and smoke (gases) in the air that made it difficult for local communities to breathe. This scholarly evidence was weighed against the universally coveted rights to a clean and healthy environment. There was also evidence of a gap in the implementation of Social and Labour plans by mining companies in communities. Illegal mining was also identified as a key issue in the human rights and mining engagements considering the risks associated. The IMCHPR offered solutions to the audience based on a new model of responsibility and accountability between mining companies and communities, stakeholders were encouraged to communicate with the University for discussions in line with the solutions. The Submissions from the team were heavily scrutinised by the panel for clarification and confirmation and were well received by the audience.