The fight for human rights in South Africa is, at its core, a fight for dignity and safety. Yet thousands still live without basic rights, crime remains high, and women and children in particular seldom feel safe. This struggle is unrelenting.

The third quarter of the year has passed, and as we head into the final stretch, it is a stark reminder of how much remains to be done, and why, as human rights activists, we cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball.

The story of three-year-old Unecebo Mboteni is one of those reasons. It has been more than a year since Unecebo died after falling into a pit toilet at his creche in the Eastern Cape, and still his family has received no justice. There are still many unanswered questions and no one including the school, or the Department of Basic Education have taken any accountability. As Amnesty International South Africa we have taken up Unecebo’s case as part of our annual Write for Rights campaign. We will mobilise our entire movement worldwide to take action and help Unecebo’s family receive justice. You can read more about this case and what you can do in this edition of Lesedi. We cannot rest until all plain pit toilets in schools and Early Childhood Development Centres are destroyed permanently. It is unacceptable that children continue to die in these pit toilets surrounded by faeces and urine.

South Africa is also facing another storm of corruption, wrongdoing, and interference this time in its criminal justice system and millions of rands are being thrown into another commission of inquiry. This is the very criminal justice system which is meant to provide safety and justice for everyone living in South Africa, a right enshrined in the constitution

When it was announced that a commission of inquiry would be set up to investigate serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Amnesty International South Africa was emphatic in its calls that these be addressed with the severity and urgency required. Read more about why we are keeping an eye on the commission, especially its outcome.

In this Lesedi, you can also read about the continued work done by our movement to put pressure on all states, even those who have continuously supported Israel, to do everything in their power to protect Palestinians and stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza and prevent its possible spread to the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Amnesty International has released a briefing on the global political economy which is enabling Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid. We have also released an extended press release reiterating our call for Palestinian armed groups to immediately and unconditionally release all civilians held hostage in the occupied Gaza Strip. The evidence is racking up and more needs to be done to stop the total annihilation of Palestinians.

Amnesty International South Africa’s university chapters and youth activists continue to do great work shining a light in the dark, especially when so many are feeling hopeless. You can read about what they have been up to this past quarter.

Remember, every action big or small has an impact, we cannot lose hope, especially if we want to ensure that everyone is living a life of dignity.

As Vincent van Gogh said: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

Aluta Continua!
Shenilla Mohamed

No parent should have to bury their child because the government ignored their basic right to safety. In April 2024, three-year-old Unecebo died after falling into a pit toilet at his pre-school in South Africa.

This tragedy could have been prevented. Since 2018, two other children have died after falling into pit toilets in the Eastern Cape. And yet, the loss of these young lives hasn’t been enough to ensure the eradication of all pit toilets in schools, including day care centres.

In South Africa, a child’s education – and safety – still depends on where they’re born, their wealth, and the colour of their skin.

As Unecebo’s father said:

My son died in a death trap set up for poor people.

One year on, and the family has received no communication from the pre-school or Department of Basic Education about whether the pit toilet that little Unecebo fell into has even been removed, let alone the progress of the investigation into his death. This lack of information is both painful and alarming. If the toilet is still in use, it puts other children’s lives at risk. Instead of answers about how this tragic incident happened, Unecebo’s family have been met with silence – exposes the authorities’ refusal to account for their failure to protect his right to life.

Unecebo lost his life in a place where he should have been safe. His family deserve answers!

TAKE ACTION FOR UNECEBO HERE

A police in crisis - Will there be accountability?

By Genevieve Quintal, Media and Communications Officer at Amnesty International South Africa 

Allegations of misconduct, political interference, and corruption within state institutions — bodies meant to serve the people – should be a great concern to all of us. 

The allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, of corruption, interference in investigations into political killings, and links of public officials to organised crime, cannot be ignored and needs to be addressed with the severity and urgency required. 

South Africa cannot afford to spend millions of rands on another commission of inquiry and have no real reform or change come out of it, nevermind accountability for any wrongdoing. It has been more than three years since the State Capture Commission concluded its work and handed over its final report and recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa, and yet very little has been done to implement the recommendations made by then Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. We can even go as far back as the Farlam Commission that investigated the events which led to the deaths of 44 people during the Marikana massacre, including the 10 people who were killed in the days leading up to the fateful shooting. Again, many of those recommendations have not been implemented.

Now we now find ourselves watching another commission of inquiry play out before us – the Madlanga Commission, which is looking into General Mkhwanazi’s allegations. The commission has just started its work but it is yet to be seen whether this will be a turning point for South Africa and the criminal justice system which in many respects fails victims of crime on a daily basis, especially victims of gender-based violence and femicide. 

People in South Africa are tired of costly commissions that are long drawn out and lead to no accountability. The mere fact that another commission is being established is an indictment of our justice system and state institutions. We need to see concrete and enforceable action to fight crime and not more processes that delay justice. President Cyril Ramaphosa has an opportunity, and the power, to tackle corruption within the state quickly and decisively. Failure to do so has a massive impact on the rights of the people who live in South Africa.

 

The ongoing genocide we cannot ignore 

By Tegan Snyman, Research, Campaigns, and Communications Assistant at Amnesty International South Africa

As we approach two years of the war in Gaza, international consensus continues to grow and confirm that Israel is committing a genocide in the occupied Gaza strip. The recent report submitted by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem, and Israel to the UN Human Rights Council concludes with the same point that Amnesty International and others have been saying for months: that the Israeli authorities and Israeli forces have committed and are continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. 

Since 7 October 2023, the Israeli security forces have been targeting civilians directly. Recent estimates found that 62,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks, with 83% of those being civilians. These attacks have caused unprecedented destruction, which experts say occurred at a level and speed not seen in any other conflict in the 21st century, leveling entire cities and destroying critical infrastructure, agricultural land and cultural and religious sites.

Moreover, the UN commission found that Israel has been using starvation as a method of warfare by imposing a total siege on Gaza and blocking humanitarian aid from entering. 

The report by the UN International Commission of Inquiry also extends responsibilities to all UN member states, requiring them to employ all means reasonably available to them to prevent the commission of genocide, cease the transfer of arms to Israel as well as facilitate investigations and domestic proceedings and take action, including by imposing sanctions, against Israel and against individuals or corporations that are involved in, or facilitating the commission of genocide.

South Africa’s ongoing case before the International Court of Justice will only resume in January 2026, however, several provisional measures have been laid down, including requiring Israel to prevent genocide and enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance. More than 12 states have filed to intervene in support of South Africa’s case. 

Amnesty International continues to urge all states, beginning with those that have supported Israel for the last two years, to shift course, to listen to the findings of expert after expert, and to do all in their power to protect Palestinians and stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza and prevent further violations in the rest of the OPT.

The very existence of Palestinians in Gaza is under threat. The scale of suffering, deaths and destruction has already been cataclysmic, but we are at a juncture where states have the tools to prevent further crimes. They must demonstrate that they also have the will to do so.

As Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said: “There is no more time for excuses: as the evidence of Israel’s genocide continues to mount the international community cannot claim they didn’t know”. 

Israel/OPT: UN report concluding Israel is committing genocide in Gaza must spur international action

Read Amnesty International's response to the report submitted by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the OPT, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, to the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council concluding that Israeli authorities and forces have committed and are continuing to commit genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip,
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Global: Confronting the global political economy enabling Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid

States, public institutions and companies the world over are enabling or profiting from Israel’s prolonged violations of international law, including its ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip, its unlawful occupation of the whole OPT and its cruel system of apartheid against all Palestinians whose rights it controls, through their complicity, support or self-imposed paralysis, said Amnesty International in a briefing outlining urgent calls to states and companies.
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Global: Amnesty International calls on FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israeli Football Association

Amnesty International has sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israeli Football Association (IFA) from their tournaments until it excludes clubs based in illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) from continuing to play in Israel’s football leagues.
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Israel/OPT: Any peace proposal must be grounded in respect for human rights and an end to Israel’s unlawful occupation, apartheid and genocide in Gaza

In response to the plan that the Trump administration has proposed to end the conflict in Gaza, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said: “The most urgent priority is to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza and release all civilian hostages. Any initiative aimed at securing a lasting peace must be grounded in international law, uphold the human rights of all people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Israel, and be focused on bringing an immediate end to Israel’s unlawful occupation and system of apartheid.
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The flame of activism continues to burn

By Nobuhle Dube, Human Rights Education Intern at Amnesty International South Africa

From candlelit ceremonies to colour runs, Amnesty International South Africa chapters and the Alumni Network have danced through a season of grit, growth, and glowing community spirit. Each chapter faced its own plot twists, but all emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever.

Amnesty International Univeristy of Johannesburg (UJ)

At AI UJ, chairperson Alex Lekgwate summed up the quarter as: “A wave of unexpected hurdles disrupted our planned events and tested our resilience”. Several exciting collaborations fizzled out due to scheduling clashes and mobilisation hiccups, leaving co-hosted events on pause. But the chapter didn’t fold – it regrouped. 

Amnesty International Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Butterworth

Meanwhile, over at AI WSU Butterworth, a flicker of light turned into a beacon of hope. In collaboration with Peer Wellness, the chapter hosted a heartfelt candle lighting ceremony at Ibika campus. Chairperson Sithembile Nkosi described it as a moment of reflection and unity, where members gathered to reaffirm their commitment to student well-being. The event also sparked a successful recruitment drive, welcoming new faces and fresh ideas into the fold. Despite a few logistical and communication bumps, the ceremony stood out as a powerful reminder of what community care looks like in action.

Amnesty International Univeristy of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN)

AI UKZN hosted an empowering event focused on advocacy, human rights education, and mental health awareness within the university space. The chapter recruited 35 new members.

Amnesty International Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Over at AI SPU, chairperson Ofentse Michelle Olifant reflected on the power of time and teamwork. “As William Shakespeare aptly noted, time is paramount – my team and I wholeheartedly concur. What matters most, though, is how we choose to utilise ours.” AISPU saw significant improvement when the team restructured into two groups, allowing them to prepare dual events concurrently – both of which were a success. The chapter had a women’s month action where they gave female students flowers and cards with words of encouragement. They also had a screening for change movie night, raising awareness on challenges HRDs experience, celebrating gender equality and human rights. 

Amnesty International University of Pretoria (UP)

AI UP brought the energy with a vibrant Women’s Day demonstration. The chapter hosted a mural painting at Mural Wall, collected petitions, and raised awareness through TikTok-style interviews with students. They quizzed peers on Women’s Day trivia, global feminist crises, and student-led advocacy. 

Amnesty International North West Univeristy (NWU)

Back at AI NWU, the chapter embraced the power of informal connection. AI NWU hosted a successful movie night that created space for members to raise awareness, educate, socialise, and build stronger bonds. The event received glowing feedback and reinforced the importance of relaxed, inclusive engagement.

Another exciting NWU initiative, AISA Tuesdays, has taken off as a consistent space for students to engage, discuss, and share ideas. The result? Increased membership and deeper participation. The chapter’s reflections highlight the importance of consistency, collaboration, and timing.

Amnesty International University of Fort Hare (UFH)

AI University UFH proudly hosted a vibrant and impactful event aimed at empowering high school learners with knowledge about their rights. AI UFH’s secretary general Vuyisa Pikashe highlighted that the spotlight of the event was on Section 16 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which enshrines the right to freedom of expression. AIUFH members, alongside general chapter participants, delivered well-researched and what Vuyisa describes as compelling presentations that sparked genuine interest among learners. Vuyisa said: “The room buzzed with curiosity as students engaged with the content, eager to understand the evolving dynamics of human rights in South Africa”.

Amnesty International Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Mthatha 

Looking over to WSU Mthatha, Boitumelo Nkosi, Deputy Chairperson, shared reflections on the chapter’s third-quarter activity, highlighting a vibrant recruitment drive that sparked genuine interest among students. The Amnesty stand became a welcoming hub where curious minds stopped by to ask questions, explore campaigns, and learn more about human rights advocacy. The energy was palpable, with many students signing up as supporters – an encouraging sign of growing campus engagement. Boitumelo noted that one student committed to joining Amnesty as a full member, a milestone that Boitumelo described as a testament to the drive’s success in not only raising awareness but also inspiring deeper commitment to the cause.

Amnesty International University of Cape Town (UCT)

AI UCT hosted a red hand stunt, to raise awareness around the ongoing protection of human rights defenders campaign. Participants dipped their hands in red paint—symbolising solidarity, resistance, and remembrance—and pressed them onto a canvas, making a powerful statement of support for activists and human rights defenders who risk their lives to protect human rights. In addition, in celebration of women’s month, AI UCT collaborated with the UCT Mathematics society and hosted an interdisciplinary panel discussion focusing on the experiences of women within the Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field.

The Alumni Network 

The Alumni Network began the third quarter with a bang, an online event titled “Voices for Change” which Zosuliwe Nzalo, a member of the Alumni Network, described as : “A webinar that aimed to introduce the alumni network and spotlight powerful stories of change-makers and human rights defenders (HRD)”. The Network invited Shenilla Mohamed, AISA’s Executive Director, as the guest speaker who emphasised the importance of protecting and supporting HRDs. The Alumni Network was later actively involved in AISA’s activist training, where they presented their role and vision. In a powerful close to Women’s Month, the Alumni Network launched the “Letter for Her” initiative. Jaclyn Modise described this as a heartfelt message to women who have endured abuse and harm. This symbolic act affirmed solidarity, compassion, and the Network’s unwavering commitment to women’s rights, healing, and justice.

Looking ahead, the Alumni Network is gearing up to host a Colloquium on Climate Change and Human Rights. This upcoming event will explore the intersection of environmental justice and human dignity, offering a platform for alumni, chapters, and broader stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to shaping sustainable solutions.

Though their journeys took different turns, the spirit remained the same: a fierce commitment to resilience, reflection, and building inclusive, empowered student communities. The university chapters and the Alumni Network are catalysts for change, proving that the flame of activism burns brighter than ever.

Government must take more action and increase its investment in the protection and fulfilment of human rights

Amnesty International South Africa is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to use the estimated R700 million cost of the National Dialogue to ensure that all those who live in South Africa have access to their basic human rights which includes economic, social, and cultural rights and the rights to life and security.
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THIS WOMEN’S DAY LEAVES US WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

Women in South Africa continue to live at risk of violence. Despite many commitments from the government to deal with gender-based violence and femicide, we continue to see high rates of reported cases of sexual violence and murder of women.
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RIGHT TO WATER

Consent

heritage day

PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Decriminalise sex work

MANDELA DAY

In the third quarter of 2024, Amnesty International South Africa was interviewed on various human rights topics.

Watch/listen to some of those interviews below.

Amnesty International South Africa Campaigner Cassandra Dorasamy spoke to the SABC about how women in South Africa still need to fight for their safety. 

 

Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed spoke to Newzroom Afrika about the allegations made by KZN commissioner General Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga commission of inquiry. 

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamad spoke to Newzroom Afrika about Amnesty’s call to all states, public institutions and companies to end the ‘political economy’ that, it says, enables Israel’s occupation and the devastating war in Gaza.

Madagascar: Authorities fail to protect and assist Antandroy people displaced by climate-exacerbated droughts – new report

Malagasy authorities have failed to protect and assist thousands of Antandroy people who have been forced to flee their homes since 2017 because of drought-induced famines in the Androy region, in southern Madagascar, Amnesty International said in a new report. The report documents how Antandroy people have been forced to travel to other parts of the country in search of better conditions, with many internally displaced people (IDPs) making the arduous 1,500km journey to the northern Boeny region. The report exposes the government’s violation of their rights to freedom of movement and choice of residence within state borders, adequate housing, and an adequate standard of living.
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African states silence dissenting voices through enforced disappearances

Enforced disappearance in Africa can be traced back to colonial times when governments disappeared freedom fighters to silence them. Today, African states use enforced disappearance in a range of contexts, against different groups, including human rights defenders, ethnic minorities, migrants and opposition leaders. In recent years, the practice has been used by authorities in countries including Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Zimbabwe and Tanzania as a tool to silence political opponents, journalists and civil society activists.
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Zimbabwe: Arbitrary detention of journalist an assault on freedom of expressio

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Eswatini: Repatriation of Jamaican national must be followed by justice for all US deportees

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Sudan: Life-saving aid must reach the people caught between the rains and conflict

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DRC: Warring factions in eastern DRC commit horrific abuses including gang rapes, summary executions and abductions

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Global: Amnesty’s Secretary General calls for robust response to urgent human rights challenges at UN General Assembly

As the UN turns 80, the institution finds itself at a crossroads, confronted by crisis both internally and externally. Humanity is struggling amid a record number of armed conflicts, rampant inequality, inadequate efforts to regulate new technologies or address climate collapse, the rise of authoritarian laws and practices around the world, and a growing global backlash against the rights of migrants, refugees, women, girls and LGBTI people.
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Global: Amnesty launches ‘Breaking up with Big Tech’ briefing

The so-called big five tech companies – Alphabet (Google), Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple – wield extraordinary influence over the infrastructure, services, and norms that shape our online lives. These companies dominate key sectors of the internet: from search engines and social media to app stores and cloud computing. Their largely unchecked power across various digital sectors poses serious risks to the right to privacy, the right to non-discrimination, freedom of opinion and access to information.
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Global: International Court of Justice’s landmark opinion bolsters fight for climate justice and accountability

Amnesty International reacted to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) first Advisory Opinion clarifying the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
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Nepal: Independent investigation and accountability needed following deadly crackdown on ‘Gen Z’ protesters

On 8 September, mostly Gen Z protestors took to the streets demanding an end to corruption and the lifting of the government’s ban on social media platforms. The situation escalated after some of the protesters breached the “restricted zone” and entered the Parliament premises. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition, leaving at least nineteen dead and hundreds injured.
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The Trump administration’s call to ‘reframe’ the global asylum system would harm people seeking safety

In mid-September 2025, media reports suggested that US President Donald Trump’s administration planned to call for “reframing the global approach to asylum” during an event on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly High-level Week. On 25 September, the US hosted a side event at UNGA headlined by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, titled The Global Refugee and Asylum System: What Went Wrong and How to Fix It.
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BECOME A VOTING MEMBER TODAY AND HELP STEER AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE.

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Our members make change possible. They’re the people we call on whenever and wherever human rights are under attack. Their actions, big and small, put pressure on governments, institutions and decision-makers to do the right thing.

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