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Scholar | Human Rights Commissioner | Public Intellectual

Media Interviews
In opinion pieces, interviews, and other public provocations, Tshepo Madlingozi speaks directly to the political questions of the moment. From podcasts to print and broadcast, his interventions challenge power, interrogate injustice, and insist on accountability.

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![[SABC News] SAHRC lacks power to enforce binding directives](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HkyM947SFco/sddefault.jpg)
![[SABC News] SAHRC lacks power to enforce binding directives](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HkyM947SFco/sddefault.jpg)
[SABC News] SAHRC lacks power to enforce binding directives
SAHRC Commissioner, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi, recently stated on SABC News that the South African Human Rights Commission cannot enforce binding directives following a ruling by the Constitutional Court. Although the Commission retains the power to investigate and recommend action, it now depends on the courts to ensure compliance with its findings. This situation raises critical questions about what enforcement mechanisms remain available to the Commission and what steps
Apr 28


[TimesLive] Human rights body mulls asking parliament for binding powers
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it is considering approaching parliament to pass a legislative amendment, giving it the power to make its directives binding.
Apr 23


[News 24] SA Human Rights Commission’s directives not legally binding, ConCourt rules
The SAHRC says it receives 10 000 complaints annually and that it lacks the litigation budget to enforce non compliance in court, prompting plans to approach parliament for legislative amendments
Apr 22


[Countersign Podcast] 'Dumps and dead miners' - South African Constitutionalism
Professor Tshepo Madlingozi and host Professor Stewart Motha consider how world-destroying aspects of colonialism have survived in the supposedly post-apartheid era. Madlingozi explains what it would mean to reconstitute a society and nation in the context of decolonisation.
Mar 30
![[Power fm] Leadership Spotlight](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_f02994f487b940018ecb4b6986f69781~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_499,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_f02994f487b940018ecb4b6986f69781~mv2.webp)
![[Power fm] Leadership Spotlight](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_f02994f487b940018ecb4b6986f69781~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_515,h_258,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_f02994f487b940018ecb4b6986f69781~mv2.webp)
[Power fm] Leadership Spotlight
Sello Hatang was in conversation with Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, Commissioner at the SA Human Rights Commission.
Mar 29
![[CDH Conversation podcast] The real world impact of systemic deficiencies in our public education system](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DRr6k0PGXsI/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[CDH Conversation podcast] The real world impact of systemic deficiencies in our public education system](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DRr6k0PGXsI/maxresdefault.jpg)
[CDH Conversation podcast] The real world impact of systemic deficiencies in our public education system
I n this podcast Gift Nkosinathi Xaba, from CDH's Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, and Prof Tshepo Madlingozi zoom into and unpack the 2025 SAHRC Schools Readiness Report and the current state of public basic education in South Africa; Assess the real-world impact of the systemic challenges in our public basic education system; and explore pragmatic, rights-based solutions to address these systemic challenges that threaten not only the realisation of the constitutional right
Mar 23
![[SABC News] Sharpeville to today - state of our human rights](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vnCA5wnea24/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[SABC News] Sharpeville to today - state of our human rights](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vnCA5wnea24/maxresdefault.jpg)
[SABC News] Sharpeville to today - state of our human rights
Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, participated in the discussion alongside Seth Mazibuko, a former Robben Island inmate, 1976 student leader, and the patron and historian of the Seth Mazibuko Foundation, and Dr Pali Lehohla, the former Statistician General of South Africa. This came after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Human Rights Day address, in which he stated: "There can be no doubt that over the past 30 years, we have done much to restore
Mar 22
![[IOL] Prof Tshepo Madlingozi joins Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_de437540aebb41ebbff74982cf7f0795~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_371,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_de437540aebb41ebbff74982cf7f0795~mv2.webp)
![[IOL] Prof Tshepo Madlingozi joins Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_de437540aebb41ebbff74982cf7f0795~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_515,h_347,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_de437540aebb41ebbff74982cf7f0795~mv2.webp)
[IOL] Prof Tshepo Madlingozi joins Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice
Stellenbosch University has appointed human rights scholar and activist Tshepo Madlingozi as an extraordinary professor at its Centre for Social Justice. The appointment strengthens the centre’s research and policy engagement on constitutionalism, reparative justice and human rights.
Mar 20
![[SAfm] Does the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) have the power to issue binding directives following an investigation into human rights?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_cba5349db2714ecc97d4718a9a920b57~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_375,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_cba5349db2714ecc97d4718a9a920b57~mv2.webp)
![[SAfm] Does the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) have the power to issue binding directives following an investigation into human rights?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_cba5349db2714ecc97d4718a9a920b57~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_515,h_343,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_cba5349db2714ecc97d4718a9a920b57~mv2.webp)
[SAfm] Does the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) have the power to issue binding directives following an investigation into human rights?
The Constitutional Court has heard arguments on whether the recommendations of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) carry the same legal weight as those of the Public Protector's office. The commission is appealing a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling from last year, which found that its directives are not binding. Safm speaks to SAHRC Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi
Nov 26, 2025
![[Jacaranda FM] SAHRC report laments impact of budget cuts on quality of education](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_198a1b1b6f1d45b6b86e6ac5fb1c9dfc~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_375,h_250,al_c,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_198a1b1b6f1d45b6b86e6ac5fb1c9dfc~mv2.webp)
![[Jacaranda FM] SAHRC report laments impact of budget cuts on quality of education](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_198a1b1b6f1d45b6b86e6ac5fb1c9dfc~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_515,h_343,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_198a1b1b6f1d45b6b86e6ac5fb1c9dfc~mv2.webp)
[Jacaranda FM] SAHRC report laments impact of budget cuts on quality of education
The South African Human Rights Commission says budget cuts are negatively impacting the provision of quality education in public schools already plagued by a lack of infrastructure. "One of the biggest challenges is austerity, there has been budget cuts. While we understand fiscal consolidation, austerity undercuts constitutional promises," said SAHRC commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi. Click on this link to read the full article: https://www.jacarandafm.com/news/news/sahrc-repo
Nov 12, 2025
![[Sowetan] How new school code can help curb bullying, cyber threats](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_49b8be4012104eb386097d1c448cd05d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_375,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_49b8be4012104eb386097d1c448cd05d~mv2.webp)
![[Sowetan] How new school code can help curb bullying, cyber threats](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_49b8be4012104eb386097d1c448cd05d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_515,h_343,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_49b8be4012104eb386097d1c448cd05d~mv2.webp)
[Sowetan] How new school code can help curb bullying, cyber threats
Thursday marks the 6th International Day against bullying and violence at school. This year, we observe it in the wake of the Milnerton High School bullying incident and Mthatha's St John's College's sexual violence allegations, which have sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Nov 6, 2025
![[Daily Maverick] Disinformation is a grave threat to democracy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_5fb565ff8d324c7ba2db67e8a8da8634~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_519,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_5fb565ff8d324c7ba2db67e8a8da8634~mv2.webp)
![[Daily Maverick] Disinformation is a grave threat to democracy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_5fb565ff8d324c7ba2db67e8a8da8634~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_515,h_248,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_5fb565ff8d324c7ba2db67e8a8da8634~mv2.webp)
[Daily Maverick] Disinformation is a grave threat to democracy
This month, on 15 September, parliaments, national human rights institutions and civil society around the world observed the International Day of Democracy, declared as such by the UN General Assembly in 2007. This year’s observation also serves as a reminder of the need to promote and protect democracy against increased threats to it – the likes of which we are witnessing globally, and in our country.
Sep 30, 2025
![[Sunday World] Does a 2am eviction uphold human rights and forge belongingness?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_b3d48fbb14fc4ceeaf1affd53b3c6916~mv2.avif/v1/fill/w_334,h_250,al_c,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_b3d48fbb14fc4ceeaf1affd53b3c6916~mv2.webp)
![[Sunday World] Does a 2am eviction uphold human rights and forge belongingness?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_b3d48fbb14fc4ceeaf1affd53b3c6916~mv2.avif/v1/fill/w_515,h_386,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_b3d48fbb14fc4ceeaf1affd53b3c6916~mv2.webp)
[Sunday World] Does a 2am eviction uphold human rights and forge belongingness?
Professor Mosibudi Mangena’s September 21, 2025 column in the Sunday World titled, “Declaring ‘South Africa belongs to all who live in it” is stupid and counterproductive” refers. The column raises important questions about nation building and post-apartheid belongingness that are worth debating. I will return to these issues in a moment. Unfortunately, the good prof spoils the column with misleading statements about the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). He claim
Sep 28, 2025
![[702] SAHRC to probe McKenzie over derogatory remarks on black people](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/P09xnBrE9jk/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[702] SAHRC to probe McKenzie over derogatory remarks on black people](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/P09xnBrE9jk/maxresdefault.jpg)
[702] SAHRC to probe McKenzie over derogatory remarks on black people
Clement Manyathela speaks to Tshepo Madlingozi, who is a commissioner with the South African Human Rights Commission about the complaints the commission has received based on previous comments made by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie about black people. Madlingozi explains how the commission will investigate McKenzie’s comments.
Aug 18, 2025
![[Mail & Guardian] Let's Draw lessons from people's power on the 40th anniversary of state of emergency](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_725c458a29cb41329c4b238e4099fc4b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_368,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_725c458a29cb41329c4b238e4099fc4b~mv2.webp)
![[Mail & Guardian] Let's Draw lessons from people's power on the 40th anniversary of state of emergency](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_725c458a29cb41329c4b238e4099fc4b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_515,h_350,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_725c458a29cb41329c4b238e4099fc4b~mv2.webp)
[Mail & Guardian] Let's Draw lessons from people's power on the 40th anniversary of state of emergency
This year is the 40th anniversary of the first State of Emergency by the apartheid regime. In recalling this ignoble anniversary, I choose to focus on the challenge the apartheid regime sought to address with that unprecedented suppression tool: people’s power. I posit that one of the outcomes of the National Dialogue ought to be the reinvigoration of the spirit and praxis of people’s power.
Aug 5, 2025
![[Groundup] What the SA Human Rights Commission is doing to advance queer right](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_7e9602e0893c4e50bf6a1e78108b5c18~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_472,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_7e9602e0893c4e50bf6a1e78108b5c18~mv2.webp)
![[Groundup] What the SA Human Rights Commission is doing to advance queer right](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_7e9602e0893c4e50bf6a1e78108b5c18~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_515,h_273,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_7e9602e0893c4e50bf6a1e78108b5c18~mv2.webp)
[Groundup] What the SA Human Rights Commission is doing to advance queer right
Based on the prevalence of discrimination and the perpetration of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community, it is evident that we still have a long way to go to achieve substantive equality, but as we shift our focus towards prioritising the changing of hearts and minds through proactive interventions and restorative justice, we may be closer than ever to walking the path to equality, and experiencing pride in true change.
Jul 1, 2025
![[702] In conversation with the South African Human Rights Commission](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/U661W1W8RJk/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[702] In conversation with the South African Human Rights Commission](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/U661W1W8RJk/maxresdefault.jpg)
[702] In conversation with the South African Human Rights Commission
Tshidi Madia in for Clement Manyathela speaks to Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi, a Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) about role the institution plays in promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
Jun 25, 2025
![[Mail & Guardian] From Jan Smuts to Gareth Prince: the struggle for the liberation of cannabis continues](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_6e3c9ab84b304beda67bc3081870b622~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_380,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_6e3c9ab84b304beda67bc3081870b622~mv2.webp)
![[Mail & Guardian] From Jan Smuts to Gareth Prince: the struggle for the liberation of cannabis continues](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_6e3c9ab84b304beda67bc3081870b622~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_515,h_339,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_6e3c9ab84b304beda67bc3081870b622~mv2.webp)
[Mail & Guardian] From Jan Smuts to Gareth Prince: the struggle for the liberation of cannabis continues
As Africa Month ends, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) wishes to draw attention to a key struggle for African self-determination, remembering and “re-membering”. That struggle is the struggle for the full liberation of cannabis.
Jun 4, 2025
![[SABC News] Former DA MP apologises for racist remarks: Tshepo Madlingozi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v61vaNHEarE/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[SABC News] Former DA MP apologises for racist remarks: Tshepo Madlingozi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v61vaNHEarE/maxresdefault.jpg)
[SABC News] Former DA MP apologises for racist remarks: Tshepo Madlingozi
Former Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Renaldo Gouws and the South African Human Rights Commission have reached a settlement in the complaint the commission lodged against the YouTuber-turned-politician before the Equality Court. This after Gouws publicly apologised for his 2010 video, which contained racially offensive and harmful language directed towards black South Africans. Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi, j
May 17, 2025
![[NewzRoom Afrika] Gouws' apology for racist video pleases SAHRC](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/E__Wf3yHlw4/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[NewzRoom Afrika] Gouws' apology for racist video pleases SAHRC](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/E__Wf3yHlw4/maxresdefault.jpg)
[NewzRoom Afrika] Gouws' apology for racist video pleases SAHRC
South African Human Rights Commissioner Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi says they expected no different outcome from court in the inquiry into the 15-year-old racist video former DA MP Renaldo Gouws posted after the elections last year.
May 16, 2025
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