Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
06 February 2025 | 13:30 CAT

Amnesty International South Africa urges President Ramaphosa to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders in his SONA.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), Amnesty International South Africa has called for urgent action to protect human rights defenders.

Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director, Shenilla Mohammed, has urged the President to lead by example in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that those defending them are protected from threats, violence, and even assassination.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Mohammed stressed South Africa’s pivotal role, both nationally and globally, in advocating for human rights.

“South Africa’s history is deeply rooted in human rights struggles. President Ramaphosa himself was once a human rights defender during the fight against apartheid. It is now his responsibility to ensure that South Africans, and people around the world, have their rights protected,” she said.

Mohammed highlighted the growing authoritarianism worldwide, which has led to increased persecution of climate activists, women’s rights advocates, and marginalized communities.

“What we are seeing globally is a rollback of hard-won rights,” she explained. “Women’s rights activists are being jailed, climate activists are being silenced. In South Africa, women’s rights defenders are murdered while seeking justice, yet little is done to address these atrocities.”

She pointed to cases such as the Amadiba community, where activists opposing destructive mining projects have been assassinated, and the Abahlali baseMjondolo movement, where at least 25 members fighting for basic housing rights have been killed with little accountability.

Mohammed emphasized the urgent need for legislation to protect human rights defenders. “At the moment, people get assassinated, and there are no serious consequences. Whistleblowers like Babita Deokaran are murdered in broad daylight, yet their killers roam free,” she said.

She called on President Ramaphosa to introduce and enforce laws that will hold perpetrators accountable. “If South Africa is to be a true leader in human rights, it must show that it will not tolerate the murder of those who stand for justice.”

As SONA approaches, Amnesty International South Africa insists that the President must take decisive action.

“One death is one too many. The President must not only enact laws but also ensure that law enforcement agencies do their jobs effectively. A strong message must be sent that South Africa will no longer be a country where human rights defenders are killed without consequence.”

Mohammed reiterated that the President must publicly acknowledge the role of human rights defenders and ensure his cabinet prioritizes their protection.

“Nelson Mandela and other leaders of this country were once human rights defenders. If we fail to protect today’s defenders, we betray the legacy they fought for,” she concluded.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Annisa Essack and Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director, Shenilla Mohammed, here.