The decision to embark on a national hearing follows circumstances around racial incidences at various universities which suggest a need to relook at transformation issues.

Recently, two white students allegedly drove over a black student as he was walking on the pavement and later beat him at the University of the Free State (UFS) and also the so-called “Reitz 4” racist video saga, which occurred at the same institution in 2008, wherein the SAHRC played a significant role in contributing towards the reconciliation process between the parties involved.

In 2012, the Commission received a complaint from the Department of the Higher Education Transformation Network (HETN) regarding the death of Mr Thabang Mokhoang, who died during an orientation programme at the North West University (NWU). The SAHRC notes that a subsequent investigation into the incident concluded that Mr Mokhoang’s death was an accident and that all proper precautions were in place to ensure that the events forming part of the orientation programme occurred safely. However, the SAHRC was further requested by the DHET to determine what role discrimination on the basis of race and language played in Mr Makhoang’s death.

The Hearing is the first of a series that will include a variety of stakeholders including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Vice Chancellors, Student Representatives, and organisations representing both academic and non-academic staff.

Media briefing

NB: This is a closed session but the media is invited for a briefing.

Venue: SAHRC Head Office, Braampark Offices, Forum III
Address: 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Date: 31 July 2014
Time: 11:15

The hearings will be held as follows:

Dates: 31 July – 01 August 2014
Dates for the second series will be communicated at a later stage

For more information contact:
Alucia Sekgathume on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 011 877 3627 or 0826892364