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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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![[NewzRoom Afrika] The SAHRC sounds alarm over surge in sexual violence cases in schools](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uVsI9N0VQgY/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[NewzRoom Afrika] The SAHRC sounds alarm over surge in sexual violence cases in schools](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uVsI9N0VQgY/maxresdefault.jpg)
[NewzRoom Afrika] The SAHRC sounds alarm over surge in sexual violence cases in schools
SAHRC has released a damning report revealing a staggering increase in sexual violence cases against pupils in South African schools. The commission states that the country has laws to address the crisis but points to fragmented systems, delayed implementation, incomplete offender registers as well as weak enforcement as major failures. Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi unpacks the findings:
Jul 4
![[SABC News] SAHRC Report | Prevalence of sexual violence in schools](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tH9_D5nrzzc/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[SABC News] SAHRC Report | Prevalence of sexual violence in schools](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tH9_D5nrzzc/maxresdefault.jpg)
[SABC News] SAHRC Report | Prevalence of sexual violence in schools
As Youth Month draws to a close, the South African Human Rights Commission has released a distressing report on the prevalence of sexual violence in schools. The report reveals the staggering pervasiveness of sexual violence in schools. Professor Tshepo Madlingozi joined SABC News to unpack the findings:
Jun 29
![[Channel Africa] Botswana's repeal of colonial-era laws that criminalised same-sex relations](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_a86806fff29742ddb9b356690861079a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_a86806fff29742ddb9b356690861079a~mv2.webp)
![[Channel Africa] Botswana's repeal of colonial-era laws that criminalised same-sex relations](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_a86806fff29742ddb9b356690861079a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_a86806fff29742ddb9b356690861079a~mv2.webp)
[Channel Africa] Botswana's repeal of colonial-era laws that criminalised same-sex relations
South African Human Rights Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi joined Channel Africa's Peter Ndoro to discuss Botswana’s historic repeal of laws criminalising same-sex relationships. The move builds on a landmark 2019 High Court ruling that decriminalised same-sex relations and has been widely celebrated as a significant advance for human rights and equality in the region. Watch full interview here:
May 20


[SAFM] Reality Check Series - Day 5: Resolving the National Question on the 30th anniversary of the “I am an African” speech.
Resolving the National Question on the 30th anniversary of the “I am an African” speech: Towards a capacious notion of (South) African identity rooted in historical justice, human rights and ethical governance. In the final instalment of Reality Check, Professor Madlingozi reflected on former President Thabo Mbeki’s iconic “I Am an African” speech, delivered during the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution, as a powerful meditation on belonging, identity and nationhood. Dra
May 8


[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 4: Young people and the national Question: forging belongingness and shared national identity through inclusion, active citizenship and structured support
On the fourth day of Reality Check, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, Professor Madlingozi focused on the role of young people in resolving South Africa’s National Question and building a more united future. He argued that many young South Africans continue to experience a sense of exclusion and uncertainty, shaped by intergenerational poverty, unemployment, inequality and social marginalisation. At the same time, he noted that young people rema
May 7
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 3: The prospects and limits of the Constitution in contributing to theResolution of the National Question](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_a24ec76c430a4268a7d8d5e1eb9050d0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_a24ec76c430a4268a7d8d5e1eb9050d0~mv2.webp)
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 3: The prospects and limits of the Constitution in contributing to theResolution of the National Question](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_a24ec76c430a4268a7d8d5e1eb9050d0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_a24ec76c430a4268a7d8d5e1eb9050d0~mv2.webp)
[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 3: The prospects and limits of the Constitution in contributing to theResolution of the National Question
30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution On the third day of Reality Check, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi reflected on the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s 1996 Constitution and its role in addressing the National Question. Building on the previous day’s discussion of reparations and reconciliation, he argued that meaningful nation-building requires a truthful reckoning with the past, alongside concrete efforts to repair historical harm. Reparations and reconcilia
May 6
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 2: Key Components of Resolving the National Question: Reparations and Reconciliation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_56cfe137c1b3497c96eba731d626b913~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_56cfe137c1b3497c96eba731d626b913~mv2.webp)
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 2: Key Components of Resolving the National Question: Reparations and Reconciliation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_56cfe137c1b3497c96eba731d626b913~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_56cfe137c1b3497c96eba731d626b913~mv2.webp)
[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 2: Key Components of Resolving the National Question: Reparations and Reconciliation
On the second day of Reality Check, Professor Madlingozi explored the relationship between reparations, reconciliation and nation-building, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Building on his argument that South Africa has yet to forge a truly united, non-racial and non-sexist nation, he suggested that the persistence of racism, racial distrust and social division points to an incomplete reconciliation process. He noted that
May 5
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 1: Revisiting the National Question](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_1b6990c11887444ebb9434ecbf5dd184~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_286,h_188,fp_0.50_0.50,lg_1,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_1b6990c11887444ebb9434ecbf5dd184~mv2.webp)
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 1: Revisiting the National Question](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_1b6990c11887444ebb9434ecbf5dd184~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_204,h_134,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_1b6990c11887444ebb9434ecbf5dd184~mv2.webp)
[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Day 1: Revisiting the National Question
Professor Tshepo Madlingozi opened the series by reflecting on what he described as one of the most important yet insufficiently understood challenges facing South Africa: the unresolved National Question. Marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tshekisho Solomon Plaatje , founding Secretary-General of the South African Native National Congress (later the ANC), celebrated intellectual and author of Native Life in South Africa, Madlingozi drew on Plaatje’s enduring insig
May 4
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Introduction](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_95cbb56ff64c4e18b4d1410f0334589f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_95cbb56ff64c4e18b4d1410f0334589f~mv2.webp)
![[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Introduction](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b8ee4c_95cbb56ff64c4e18b4d1410f0334589f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/b8ee4c_95cbb56ff64c4e18b4d1410f0334589f~mv2.webp)
[SAFM] The Reality Check Series - Introduction
Professor Tshepo Madlingozi was invited as a special guest contributor to SAfm’s The National Briefing, the country’s premier weekday current affairs breakfast programme hosted by Cathy Mohlahlana. Over five consecutive mornings, from 4 to 8 May 2026, he contributed to the programme’s flagship editorial segment, Reality Check. Described by SAfm as a “five-day journey of national reflection”, Reality Check is designed to move beyond the constraints of daily news cycles by crea
May 3
![[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


[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_333,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_514,h_386,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
![[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_333,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_514,h_386,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
![[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
![[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
![[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
![[SABC News] Still a long way to go in ridding the country of racism completely: Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/98ubgU2HRJY/maxresdefault.jpg)
![[SABC News] Still a long way to go in ridding the country of racism completely: Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/98ubgU2HRJY/maxresdefault.jpg)
[SABC News] Still a long way to go in ridding the country of racism completely: Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi
As South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day today, we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight for equality. While our nation has come a long way since the end of apartheid, racial injustice and discrimination continue to affect many South Africans, limiting access to opportunities, justice, and basic human dignity. To further unpack let's now welcome Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi, Commissioner for Justice, Education, Anti-Racism and Equality at the
Mar 21, 2025
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