Government has declared June 30 a normal working day, therefore many workers will be expected to report for duty as usual in line with their employment obligations.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has cautioned South Africans against assuming they can stay away from work to participate in the planned nationwide marches on June 30.
The Commission acknowledged the ongoing protests over illegal migration and the demonstrations planned for Tuesday but emphasized that the right to protest must be balanced against the rights of others.
“Government has declared June 30 a normal working day, therefore many workers will be expected to report for duty as usual in line with their employment obligations,” the Commission said.
The SAHRC noted that transport operators and other essential service providers would also be expected to continue operating, ensuring that workers can travel to and from their workplaces.
While reaffirming that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, the Commission warned that demonstrators must not infringe on the rights of fellow citizens.
The SAHRC called on demonstrators to remain peaceful and law-abiding. The Commission reminded protesters that constitutional rights are not absolute and must be exercised with respect for the rights of others.
“The right to protest does not supersede other rights,” the Commission said.
The Commission also called on law enforcement agencies to act with restraint while maintaining law and order during the marches. Beyond the demonstrations, the Commission urged government and other stakeholders to tackle the root causes driving public frustration, including unemployment, crime, socio-economic challenges, and concerns over border management.
As tensions build ahead of the planned marches, the Commission's message is clear: South Africans have the right to protest, but that right does not automatically exempt them from their workplace responsibilities or allow them to interfere with the rights of others.
The SAHRC’s stance is seen as an attempt to balance the rights of protesters with the needs of businesses and working-class South Africans.
The Commission has previously faced criticism for its stance on human rights issues in South Africa.
The current protests are part of an ongoing wave of demonstrations across the country, which have been sparked by concerns over migration and economic inequality.
The South African government has been accused of failing to address the root causes of the protests, including unemployment and poverty.
South Africans will continue to face challenges in exercising their right to protest amidst the conflicting demands of economic realities and democratic rights.
The SAHRC’s message is a reminder that the right to protest must be balanced with the need for workers to fulfill their employment obligations.
The Commission's stance has sparked heated debate among South Africans, with some arguing that it is an attempt to stifle dissent and others seeing it as a necessary step to ensure the right to protest is exercised responsibly.