IMCHPR mandate as the focus of MOU between UNIVEN and SAHRC

On 21 August 2023, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) established a formal working relationship. This was done through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed and celebrated. As an institution within the University of Venda, the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights (IMCHPR) is the administrative secretariat for the implementation of the MOU. The MOU aims to develop a framework for cooperation and effective implementation of joint activities around the promotion of human rights within the Limpopo province. This will be achieved through awareness campaigns, research publications, and advocacy. The purpose is to promote rights and protect individuals, especially those within local communities facing human rights violations and social injustices.

IMCHPR is the secretariat for implementing UNIVEN/ JAMMA International MOU

On 21 June 2023, the University of Venda and JAMMA International signed a memorandum of understanding. Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights is the secretariat for the implementation of the MOU. The areas of collaborations embodied in the MOU include human rights and social justice advocacy and research with a focus on the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources by local communities and indigenous populations. In developing the road map for the implementation of the MOU, a roundtable was planned by Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights and JAMMA International as well as other stakeholders for the 17th and 18th on the global biodiversity framework, target 5 which speaks to the sustainable use of wildlife and the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities.

Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights participated at SAHRC Stakeholders’ meetings

On the 5th and the 7th of September 2023, the Ismail Mahomed centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights was invited by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to a stakeholder meeting about the impact of tribalism in the Vhembe District. The stakeholders included traditional leaders, religious leaders, Vhembe municipality and chapter 9 institutions. Long, robust and comprehensive presentations and discussions were held by the various stakeholders who attended on the different roles each institution can play to bring the tribalism conundrum to an end. There was a consensus among all speakers that tribalism in the South African context results from the legacy of apartheid, the forced removals of people, and geographic separation. It was concluded that the legacy of apartheid led to an ununified province district. Various speakers stated that before apartheid, African people in the Vhembe district, including the Venda and Tsonga people, co-existed and lived harmoniously in unity, embracing each other’s heritage and culture. It was also agreed that tribalism and racism are relative concepts and that if tribalism is not adequately dealt with, communities may face deeper problems. It was emphasised that traditional leadership as well as religious houses are critical institutions that will play a critical role in fostering unity and building social cohesion in communities. Contributions from the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights were on the role of institutions of higher learning in ending tribalism and building social cohesion. All stakeholders cordially received submissions from the centre, showing commitment to ending tribalism within the district and fostering social cohesion. The Ismail Mahomed Centre is committed to building and supporting the cause of human rights observation and respect. The key take away is that African people must respect and embrace each other regardless of culture, race, skin colour, gender and religion because we are first human before these statuses!

Ismail Mahomed Centre For Human And Peoples’ Rights Report On The Commemoration Of International Widow’s Day At Mhinga Community

On the 21st of June 2024, the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and People’s Rights supported by Dr Crystal Mokoena and Ms Zama Mopai of the Department of Public Law marked the 2024 International Widows Day at the Mhinga Community. The event also coincided with the visit of Law Clinic to the community. At the event, participants were educated and engaged on the plight of widows and issues related to widows’ rights: widowhood rites, cultural barriers, and inheritance practices. The meeting also enlightened the community about the legal and non-legal avenues available to them.

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.