2024 Human Rights Report: A deep dive into what the US calls SA's 'worsening' situation

The United States Government has recently published a report into what it describes as a "worsening" human rights situation in South Africa.

The report looked into issues ranging from legislative changes impacting land ownership to pervasive police impunity and a rise in antisemitism.

Here are the ten key takeaways from the South Africa 2024 Human Rights Report. 

• Deterioration of human rights: According to the US government, the overall human rights landscape in South Africa has significantly worsened over the past year.
• Land expropriation and minority vulnerability: A major point of concern is the signing of the Expropriation Bill (B23-2020), which the US views as a worrying step towards the land expropriation of Afrikaners and potential abuses against other racial minorities. 
• Widespread impunity and lack of accountability: The US government alleges that the South African government has failed to take credible steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials responsible for human rights abuses. They claim impunity is a problem within the security forces, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) frequently identified as acting with impunity.

• Arbitrary killings and police brutality: On the topic of SAPS, it further claims that there are "credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings committed by government agents". The cases that they mention are police officers being shot and killed by numerous criminal suspects in shoot-outs, and deaths in custody frequently resulted from physical abuse, lack of medical treatment, or neglect. The reports also allege that police use of torture and physical abuse, some of which have led to fatalities.
• Rising violence and instability: The report notes government and police shortcomings in intelligence sharing, contributing to the escalation of violence, as evidenced by the 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces, which led to 337 deaths. They claim murders on farms and smallholdings were alarmingly high, with 447 reported between October 2023 and September 2024. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been cited for encouraging attacks on Afrikaner farmers by reviving the song "Kill the Boer [Farmer]".
• Threats to freedom of expression and press intimidation: While freedom of expression is constitutionally protected in the country, the report claims authorities are permitted to restrict reporting on security forces, prisons, and mental institutions. Civil society groups are reportedly faced with intimidation and harassment for expressing critical opinions, and journalists have faced violence, harassment, and intimidation by authorities or political parties. The report said the African National Congress (ANC) and the EFF have engaged in intimidation and threats against journalists reporting on their activities and corruption, but have not given proof.

• Challenges to worker rights: Despite strong legal protections for workers, the report indicates that some employers use legal tactics to limit the right to strike. Wildcat strikes increased, particularly in the mining sector. Inspections revealed that at least 49% of worksites in the hospitality and trucking industries were non-compliant with wage and hour laws. 
• Arbitrary arrests and protracted pre-trial detention: The US government said the South African government has failed to uphold constitutional prohibitions against arbitrary arrest and detention, leading to numerous cases, particularly involving foreign workers, asylum seekers, and refugees. Police have reportedly threatened documented migrants and asylum seekers with indefinite detention unless bribes are paid. 
• Hurdles for refugees and asylum seekers: The cabinet approved a White Paper proposing withdrawal from the 1951 Refugee Convention and adopting the "first safe country principle," drawing protest from human rights organisations. Refugee advocacy groups report physical abuse by police and immigration officials. 
• Concerning rise in antisemitism: The US government alleges that the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) reported 125 antisemitic incidents during the year, with over 70% occurring after October 7. Incidents reportedly included physical assaults, property damage, and boycotting of Jewish-owned businesses. There is a noted increase in anti-Zionist and related antisemitic rhetoric at high levels of government. 

IOL