Mabandla raps HRC for ‘going too far’

In January, the SA Human Rights Commission found that Mabandla had ‘violated the fundamental rights of people’ by failing to process applications for presidential pardons for some IFP-aligned prisoners. The Commission ordered the Minister to process the applications within three months. She was also required to give monthly progress reports to the Commission. Justice Ministry spokesperson Zolile Nqayi confirmed that Mabandla had written to the commission a few days after its ruling, explaining that, ‘based on their mandate, the Commission can only recommend to a minister and not specify what to do’. Mabandla’s view on the Commission’s ruling echoes that of the ANC, which said its irregular approach had created space for political parties to use their pronouncements for their own ends. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)