Intersex people are born with natural variations in sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. These differences can be visible at birth, develop later in life, or remain unseen altogether. With up to 1.7% of the global population being intersex, this often-overlooked reality is more common—and more important to understand—than many realize.

In early 2025, the SAHRC assessed over 150 schools and found serious challenges—poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and sanitation issues—particularly in rural areas. The report highlights deep inequalities and calls for urgent actions to protect learners’ dignity and ensure schools can deliver quality education.

On 27 May 2024, student protests at Walter Sisulu University over allowances and accommodation escalated violently, leaving several injured and raising concerns over the use of excessive force. The SAHRC found serious failures by the University, security, and police, highlighting violations of students’ rights and calling for urgent reforms to protect peaceful protest.

The SAHRC inquiry found North West Province’s scholar transport system unsafe, unreliable, and poorly managed, leaving many learners without access to school and at risk. Fragmented oversight, weak enforcement, and funding issues were identified as key causes of these systemic failures.

In March 2025, the SAHRC launched a campaign to promote human rights and social harmony, focusing on nation-building, inclusion, inequality, cultural restitution, and reparations to foster a sense of belonging.

The SAHRC found that black applicants, especially women, were excluded from Hartbeespoort Dam land leases due to mismanagement. This violated their rights to equality, dignity, and fair administration. The Commission called on the authorities to implement reforms and clear backlogs. These steps are needed to ensure fair access and restore trust.

In February 2025, the SAHRC convened a Roundtable to address the ongoing discrimination and exclusion of the Rastafari community. The discussions called for recognition of Rastafari cultural practices, expungement of cannabis-related convictions, and inclusive reforms to ensure equality and justice.