Spiralling service delivery protests ahead of the vote a sign that people are tired of empty political promises

South Africa: Spiralling service delivery protests ahead of the vote a sign that people are tired of empty political promises

In response to spreading service delivery protests across the country, Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa, said:

“The eruption of protests ahead of the election shows people’s discontent with the failure of politicians to make good on their promises in the past five years. Access to water, decent housing and electricity are essential for anyone to live a life of dignity.

“As the country heads to the polls next month, politicians must develop post-election plans in line with the country’s human rights obligations. These plans must be followed with concrete action to address the issues raised by communities. By doing so, it will not only improve the daily lives of people but will tackle the triple burden of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

“Authorities must prioritise people’s economic, social and cultural rights to ensure human rights compliant service delivery.”

Background

South Africa ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 2015. Through this, South Africa is obligated to fulfil a number of the economic, social and cultural rights and to report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN CESCR) on its progress. South Africa did so at the end of 2018 with the UN CESCR giving a number of recommendations.

Read Amnesty International South Africa’s submission to the UN CESCR here. Read the UN CESCR’s recommendations here.