The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has dispelled social media rumours claiming that the majority of its staff members are foreign nationals.
The rumours became rife after the commission conducted a media briefing on 9 September 2025 on the state of human rights in South Africa.
SAHRC DENIES SOCIAL MEDIA RUMOURS
In a statement released on 16 September 2025, the SAHRC described the social media rumours as false information.
It confirmed that only seven of its 169 staff members are foreign nationals, and just one out of 16 senior managers is not South African.
THE BIRTH OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA RUMOURS
To provide context, the commission held a public launch of four reports that highlighted its work and human rights issues across the country.
Some X users questioned the nationality of the panel members, focusing their attention on the Head of Research, Doctor Martin Nsibirwa.
In the midst of these social media comments there were others who provided an alternative perspective,
The commission underscored its constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights for all in South Africa, regardless of nationality.
Similar comments were also fueled by the commission’s stance against Operation Dudula’s active actions of denying undocumented individuals access to healthcare.
SAHRC Commissioner Professor Tshepo Madlingozi emphasised this by calling on National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to intervene and stop Operation Dudula.
“We were very clear that it is unlawful for any citizen or anyone to try and enforce immigration law,” said Madlingozi. He further stated that no one is allowed to play the Department of Home Affairs role.
CONTEXT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS
The launched reports highlighted the commission’s work, including trends in human rights complaints, recommendations, and analysis of developments.
The commission announced that it received 7 516 complaints, monitored 1 394, and conducted 3 180 human rights advocacy activities.
It revealed that most complaints were related to economic and social rights, such as healthcare, food, water, and social security.
The commission also noted that race-related complaints dominated the list.
SAHRC SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON INTERESTS
The organisation reiterated its focus on issues such as systemic barriers to basic rights.
It further stated that the social media false claims are an agenda to distract people from focusing on urgent challenges.
