Saff Reporter
The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC), through its North West Provincial Office (NWPO), is set to initiate subpoena hearings against several municipalities in the province due to prolonged non-compliance with ongoing investigations.
The hearings stem from numerous complaints lodged by residents across the province regarding persistent failures in service delivery.
These municipalities have violated the rights of residents by denying them access to water and sanitation—fundamental services that underpin the constitutional right to dignity. Communities have also been affected by recurring sewer spillages and the persistent lack of basic municipal services, including
Scheduled to appear before the Commission are municipalities such as Rustenburg Local Municipality, JB Marks Local Municipality, Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, Madibeng Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, and Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
According to SAHRC spokesperson Shirley Mlombo, these hearings are convened in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote, protect, and monitor human rights under the South African Human Rights Commission Act.
“These complaints have been subjected to investigations by the Commission. In many instances, municipalities have failed to respond or cooperate, thereby hampering efforts to resolve pressing human rights concerns at the local government level,” said Mlombo.
“The primary objective of these hearings is to obtain clear, substantive responses, and time-bound commitments from each municipality on how they intend to resolve the outstanding service delivery issues in their respective areas of jurisdiction.”
The subpoena hearings are scheduled to commence from July 15-17, 2025, in Rustenburg, North West.
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