SAHRC uncovers violations at institutions of help in Limpopo

POLOKWANE – Human Rights Commissioner Nomahlubi Khwinana recently conducted an on-the-ground investigation into human rights violations in various institutions around the province for five days.

Following her visit, Khwinana held a media briefing to share her findings from several facilities, including the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital, the Polokwane Place of Safety, Siloe School for the Blind, and an unregistered substance rehabilitation centre, ‘No Smoking Church’, among others.

One of the key concerns Khwinana raised was the ongoing issue of children in the oncology ward at Pietersburg Provincial Hospital failing to take their medication regularly.

This was attributed to financial constraints, as many parents lived far away and struggled to afford frequent trips to the hospital.

Khwinana suggested that decentralising cancer treatments to district hospitals could help alleviate the burden.

Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego acknowledged the concern and expressed a willingness to explore solutions to assist the patients. At the Siloe School for the Blind, which serves learners with visual impairments, Khwinana discovered that only one of over 180 Braille machines was operational.

These machines, essential for reading, writing, and exams, had been donated years ago but are now in need of repairs, which can only be done overseas.

Mavhidula, the manager at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in Limpopo, confirmed this issue.

Khwinana deemed the situation a gross violation of the learners’ right to education, attributing the problem to neglect on the part of the Education Department.

The department was informed of these findings, and efforts to find solutions were encouraged.

The department responded to queries, stating that the acting principal at Siloe School was unaware that Blind South Africa could assist with the repairs and provide new Braille machines.

They further clarified that the department had previously facilitated the repair of Braille devices and had made recent transfers to special schools, including Siloe, for special needs procurement and repairs.

The acting principal was advised to consult with other special schools, such as Tshilizini, for additional support.

Khwinana also found staff shortages at Siloe School, further exacerbating the challenges faced by learners with special needs.

In contrast, the commission expressed satisfaction with the Polokwane Place of Safety, managed by the Department of Social Development.

The facility’s infrastructure remained in fair condition, and the children were provided with training and programmes, such as farming and sewing, to help reintegrate them into society.

It was, however, noted that the facility lacked a fence.

Joshua Kwapa, spokesperson for Social Development, explained that the fence repairs were delayed due to financial constraints but that plans to fix the damaged sections would proceed.

Another alarming discovery involved the ‘No Smoking Church’ rehabilitation facility in Moletjie.

Khwinana and her team, including police, social workers, and medical professionals, found around 70 male residents, ranging in age from 10 to 50, chained and subjected to physical abuse.

They were being given expired medications for mental illness, and the facility lacked proper infrastructure, food, and care.

Despite being an NPO, the facility charged a registration fee of R3 000 and a monthly fee of R1 500.

This exploitation raised serious concerns. Khwinana’s investigation into the facility was prompted by surveillance operations, and all residents were removed from the facility and admitted to various healthcare facilities for medical treatment.

The departments involved are awaiting the formal investigation report to guide further actions.

Attempts to contact the facility’s owner were unsuccessful. Further investigations are underway to address these issues uncovered in the report.