The Free State Provincial Office (FSPO) will be conducting human rights calendar day event on human rights and corruption. 

The post-1994 marked a new dawn for most South Africans especially the historically marginalised groups (Blacks, Coloureds, and Indians) during the apartheid era. This era provided hope for the historically marginalised groups. The new government crafted the Batho Pele Principles White Paper (Setswana/Sesotho word meaning ‘people first’). This policy was planned to transform the public service by putting people first. The Government wanted the public administration, which would be centered around people. This policy has eight service delivery blueprints. These service delivery blueprints were perceived to be the key elements that will make citizens feel content about the public sector. However, for most communities there hasn’t been much change in the new dispensation.

The Free State province, like other provinces still experience challenges relating to poor state governance, lack of willingness or motivation from public personnel, and general government inefficiency that patterns the redistribution mechanisms, keeping much-needed resources from the mouths of the poorest. Moreover, the devastation is coming from interrelated issues such as a chronic skills shortage, a lack of resources, and systemic corruption. The province took a spotlight at the Commission of enquiry into the State Capture when issues relating to projects like removal of asbestos in the province, the Estina dairy farm took a centre stage. 

It is with this reflection that the FSPO decided to commemorate the Human Rights Calendar Day to look into the effects of corruption on human rights in the Free State. Various stakeholders, state institutions, NGO’s and Civil Society Organisations will participate and reflect of the challenges relating to how corruption affects enjoyment of human rights in the province.  We are hopeful that all role players with share ideas and hold hands in the fight against these challenges, towards achieving a province free of corruption.

Event is to be held as follows;

Date: 22 March 2022

Venue: Bon Hotel Bloemfontein

Time: 09h00

For further information or enquiries, please contact SAHRC Free State Provincial Manager, Mr. Thabang Kheswa on tkheswa@sahrc.org.za 076 038 4507

or  Free State Advocacy and Research Officer, Mr. Lecholo Nkabiti on lnkabiti@sahrc.org.za  or (015) 447 1130 / 081 349 7860 .