Thank you, Shanees.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am Sonia Twongyeirwe, an intern at the Foundation and enrolled in the BA Hons International Studies programme at Stellenbosch University.
Among the top 10 Human Rights Most Threatened, I will briefly discuss:
- Health care, food, water and social security
- Children
- Education
- Freedom of Trade, Occupation and Profession
- Property
First let us consider health care, food, water and social security:
Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to access health care services (including reproductive services) and not to be refused emergency medical treatment; sufficient food and water; and social security. It mandates the government to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of each of these rights.
Turning to healthcare:
While notable hospitals exist in South Africa’s public healthcare sector, the sector overall faces multifaceted challenges such as the severe shortage of doctors. As pointed out by the Foundation in 2024, this is exacerbated by funding constraints which left over 800 qualified medical professionals unemployed and prompted some skilled practitioners to emigrate. These persistent budget limitations hinder recruitment efforts, compounding the crisis in public healthcare facilities which are already plagued by equipment shortages and medication deficits.
It is in this context that the National Health Insurance Act, 2023 (commonly known as the “NHI”) became law on 15 May 2024. However, it must be pointed out that this Act is not yet in operation, with its date of commencement still to be proclaimed in terms of section 59 of the Act.
The Act is meant to provide universal access to quality health care. Its goal is to achieve “Universal Health Coverage” to ensure that no one is deprived of access to quality health care, because of their socio-economic status. This also a key UN Sustainable….continue reading this article HERE.
Radebe Nathi Mthethwa: {2012 – 2014} Nathi Mthethwa served as Minister of Police from 2012 to 2014.
His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance police capacity and tackle crime, though he faced challenges regarding police
conduct and safety issues in the country.