HRC reiterates stand against death penalty

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has spoken out against calls for a referendum to review the death penalty. This is in response to statements attributed to ANC President Jacob Zuma, calling for debate on the possibility of a referendum on the death penalty.

Speaking at a briefing at the Johannesburg Press Club, SAHRC chairperson Jody Kollapen says the issue has long been closed.

Meanwhile, the SAHRC says there can never be true transformation unless South Africans are prepared to engage meaningfully on the impact of our past.

The SAHRC says recent incidents, such as the Skielik shooting - in which a teenager opened fire on informal dwellers, and the Free State University scandal - highlight just how entrenched racism remains at grassroots level. Kollapen says transformation gains are marred by incidents like these.

Meanwhile, the SAHRC is yet to pronounce its findings regarding the exclusively black Forum of Black Journalists (FBJ).