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.

The highly anticipated judgment this week will have far-reaching implications. The implication for intersex people and the recognition of their equal right to pursue a profession in sports is critical. The judgment will set the tone for future sporting regulation. Hopefully, it will ensure that human rights are and promoted by sporting bodies all over the world.

Professor Tshepo Madlingozi, a Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission, has been actively involved in various civil society organizations and initiatives, including the Rural Democracy Trust, Khulumani Support Group, and the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA). For a significant period from 2015 to 2018, Professor Madlingozi dedicated his efforts to the Khulumani Support Group, serving as the National Advocacy Coordinator and later as Chair