Babalo Ndenze19 March 2024 | 10:35

Human Rights Parly debate: DA says ANC has flouted many South Africans' human rights

The debate comes before Thursday’s commemoration with members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties looking at the country’s human rights record over the last 30 years.

Human Rights Parly debate: DA says ANC has flouted many South Africans' human rights

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CAPE TOWN - Political parties have used Tuesday's National Assembly Human’s Rights Day debate to shine the spotlight on government successes and failures.

The debate comes before Thursday’s commemoration with members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties looking at the country’s human rights record over the last 30 years.

African National Congress (ANC) MP Nompendulo Mkhatshwa said it's "indisputable" that basic human rights have improved since 1994.

"In 1994, the budget for health was only R2.2 billion. Today the budget for an inclusive healthcare system that all citizens enjoy is sitting at over R271 billion."

But Democratic Alliance MP Bridgette Masango said the ANC government has flouted the human rights of millions.

"We see people sleeping outside SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] offices and post offices hoping and trying to get their social grants finalised so they can put food on their tables."

At the same time, the Economic Freedom Fighters said the government is complicit in the lawlessness in the country where almost 7,000 people are murdered every quarter.