In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has upheld a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal, confirming that directives issued by the South African Human Rights Commission are not legally binding. While the Commission retains its powers to investigate complaints and make findings on human rights violations, the judgment makes it clear that it cannot enforce compliance through its directives. The ruling raises important questions about the powers of Chapter 9 institutions and what this means for accountability and human rights protection in South Africa. To unpack this for us we spoke to legal expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala

In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has upheld a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal, confirming that directives issued by the South African Human Rights Commission are not legally binding. While the Commission retains its powers to investigate complaints and make findings on human rights violations, the judgment makes it clear that it cannot enforce compliance through its directives. The ruling raises important questions about the powers of Chapter 9 institutions and what this means for accountability and human rights protection in South Africa. To unpack this for us we spoke to legal expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala

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 ConCourt Rules SAHRC Directives Not Legally Binding

In a tense sitting before the Madlanga Commission, suspended Tshwane Metro Police officer, Major Lebogang Phiri, has come under sharp questioning over his role in responding to repeated vandalism at water infrastructure sites. Phiri outlined that during late December 2024 and early January 2025, a pattern of vandalism had emerged targeting reservoirs and pump stations, allegedly linked to organised criminal activity exploiting water shortages through illegal tanker operations. Major Phiri has been accused of assigning contract work to private security firms without the necessary delegated authority and of allegedly steering contracts towards Gubis85. 

In a tense sitting before the Madlanga Commission, suspended Tshwane Metro Police officer, Major Lebogang Phiri, has come under sharp questioning over his role in responding to repeated vandalism at water infrastructure sites. Phiri outlined that during late December 2024 and early January 2025, a pattern of vandalism had emerged targeting reservoirs and pump stations, allegedly linked to organised criminal activity exploiting water shortages through illegal tanker operations. Major Phiri has been accused of assigning contract work to private security firms without the necessary delegated authority and of allegedly steering contracts towards Gubis85.&nbsp;

Phiri tells the Madlanga commission of syndicates systematically vandalizing infrastructure.

The South African Communist Party says its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is not a break from the alliance but a push to advance working-class interests. General Secretary Solly Mapaila told media the move follows concerns over the direction of governance and the need for accountable representation. Mapaila says the party rejects what it calls attempts by the African National Congress to pressure its members, insisting the SACP remains committed to the broader struggle while asserting its independence in the electoral space.

The South African Communist Party says its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is not a break from the alliance but a push to advance working-class interests. General Secretary Solly Mapaila told media the move follows concerns over the direction of governance and the need for accountable representation. Mapaila says the party rejects what it calls attempts by the African National Congress to pressure its members, insisting the SACP remains committed to the broader struggle while asserting its independence in the electoral space.

Solly Mapaila: SACP never viewed ANC as enemy

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued notice to cancel the registration of trade union BEMAWU. Deputy Registrar Mongwadi Mary Ngwetjana cites failure to comply with sections of the Labour Relations Act and says the union ceased to function. BEMAWU and interested parties now have 60 days to submit written representations on why registration should not be cancelled.We spoke to William Bird, Director of Moxii Africa, formerly Media Monitoring Africa.

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued notice to cancel the registration of trade union BEMAWU. Deputy Registrar Mongwadi Mary Ngwetjana cites failure to comply with sections of the Labour Relations Act and says the union ceased to function. BEMAWU and interested parties now have 60 days to submit written representations on why registration should not be cancelled.We spoke to William Bird, Director of Moxii Africa, formerly Media Monitoring Africa.

ConCourt Rules SAHRC Directives Not Legally Binding

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