The organisation says while nation-building and social cohesion are important, these goals must not overshadow the dire socio-economic conditions faced by millions of South Africans.

Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said the funds earmarked for the dialogue would be better spent on addressing the country’s deep inequalities, failing public services, and widespread rights violations.

“Most of the country’s population live in dire conditions and do not have access to basic essential services such as water and sanitation. Repeatedly we hear people complaining of raw sewage flowing through townships, inadequate housing, poor medical services, lack of quality education, high rates of gender-based violence, crime, and the list goes on,” Mohamed said.

She added that true social cohesion could not be achieved while the majority remain excluded from economic, social, and cultural rights,  including access to life-saving resources and personal security.

Amnesty International has raised concern about the country’s failure to protect human rights defenders and whistleblowers, who continue to be targeted and, in some cases, killed with impunity. Despite progress on whistleblower protection laws, no legislation currently exists to safeguard the rights and lives of human rights defenders.

The organisation also highlighted the persistent failure of the SA Police Service to effectively investigate gender-based violence, with 53 285 cases reported in 2023/2024 alone.

On access to water, Amnesty cited figures showing that over three million people in SA lack basic water supply services, while 5.3 million households do not have access to safe, reliable drinking water. Corruption and mismanagement, they argue, have weakened the state's ability to ensure water security and climate resilience.

“There are a number of ways to spend $39 million. We urge the SA government to invest it in the protection and fulfilment of people’s human rights,” Mohamed said.

--ChannelAfrica--