Human Rights Commission to launch report on Makana

The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC/ the Commission) Eastern Cape Office is set to launch its Investigation Report into systemic human rights concerns relating to governance and service delivery challenges within Makana Municipality on Wednesday June 10, 2026. In a statement, the commission said the report forms part of its constitutional mandate to promote, protect, and monitor the realisation of human rights in South Africa.

“As the country’s independent watchdog on human rights, the SAHRC is tasked with assessing government compliance with constitutional and legislative obligations, particularly where governance failures adversely affect the dignity, wellbeing, and socio-economic rights of communities,” the commission said.

The Commission had, over a sustained period, monitored and engaged with concerns affecting residents within Makana Municipality. This included challenges relating to the provision of basic services and the broader implications of municipal dysfunction on the enjoyment of constitutionally protected rights.

“The report follows extensive engagements, oversight, investigations, and consideration of submissions received by the Commission,” the SAHRC said.

The commission said the report examines systemic concerns which it believes require urgent attention and accountability.

“It further considers the extent to which existing interventions have responded to longstanding governance and service delivery failures and highlights areas where additional measures may be required to ensure the progressive realisation of rights and meaningful relief to affected communities.”

At the official launch of the report tomorrow, the SAHRC said, it would engage government departments, civil society, organised formations, affected stakeholders, and the media on the findings and recommendations arising from the investigation

The report would be made publicly available following the launch.