On 12 June, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in partnership with Corruption Watch and the Thulani Maseko Foundation, hosted the 2nd Annual Thulani Maseko Memorial Lecture in honour of the dedicated and tireless human rights defender, respected human rights lawyer and advocate for constitutional reform in Eswatini. The theme of this year's lecture was 'Lack of Accountability and Impunity in the Persecution of Human Rights Defenders'.
For almost a year and a half, there has been a lack of justice and accountability for the brutal murder of Thulani Maseko on 21 January 2023, despite various calls for accountability and transparency in the case. Professor Frans Viljoen highlighted the lecture as an opportunity to 'shine a piercing spotlight on the failure of the state to bring the perpetrators of this brazen act to justice'. Professor Viljoen reflected on Thulani Maseko's life as a student and human rights activist, and the stark contrast between the type of person Thulani was - who valued the power of conversation and negotiation - and the violent manner in which his life was taken for his commitment to upholding these values. The call for justice for Thulani Maseko, which has remained elusive since his murder, continues.
As the call for justice for Thulani Maseko continues to resonate, Mrs Tanele Maseko highlighted the need for solidarity and to stand with and demand justice for human rights defenders (HRDs) across the continent. Violations against HRDs are transnational in nature and transcend geographical boundaries. She shared with deep emotions the plight of several widows of HRDs whom she visited in solidarity and as part of the work of the Thulani Maseko Foundation, who have yet to receive justice for the murders and disappearances of their spouses. The work of HRDs is often separated from their humanity, in part by repressive regimes in an attempt to silence them and label them as 'enemies of the state'.
It is imperative to ensure that functional mechanisms are in place to protect different categories of human rights defenders, including journalists, whistleblowers and 'traditional' HRDs. The keynote speaker, Honourable John Jeffery, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, echoed this call, emphasising the need for systems to prevent perpetrators from enjoying impunity. He gave an insight into some of the South African government's efforts and acknowledged that while significant progress has been made by the government and the justice system, there is still much to be done. Reflecting on Thulani Maseko as a 'pillar of human rights', he celebrated the role that Thulani Maseko and other human rights defenders play in 'upholding justice and - often at the risk of their lives - advancing the realisation of human rights, strengthening the rule of law, enhancing social justice and supporting democracy'. Deputy Minister Jeffrey stressed the importance of a proper and protected civic space that allows people to operate freely and without fear, and that provides a conducive environment for active citizenship, such as that practised by HRDs and whistleblowers.
Justice delayed is justice denied. - The Centre for Human Rights, the Thulani Maseko Foundation and Corruption Watch continue to call on the Government of Swaziland to provide a transparent progress report on the investigation into the murder of Thulani Maseko and to speed up the investigation to bring those responsible for his death to justice. The call for justice has been echoed by several organisations, including Amnesty International, which has launched a #500days week of action to mark 500 days since the murder of Thulani Maseko on 4 June. The campaign aims to rally activists around the world and urge them to mobilise and engage with their respective countries' Ministers of Foreign Affairs/Policy and Swaziland High Commissions to demand decisive action and accountability in the investigation of Thulani Maseko. The Centre also stands in solidarity with HRDs and whistleblowers facing persecution on the continent and calls for the strengthening of protection mechanisms, legal and otherwise, to protect HRDs and whistleblowers from violent backlashes that put their lives at risk and, most importantly, the effective, timely and transparent implementation of these mechanisms when required.
We call on public interest on the continent to fight for justice on behalf of the many human rights defenders who have been subjected to judicial persecution and physical attacks including political assassinations by state institutions and third parties.
Watch Lecture Recording
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Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 4199
Fax: +27 (0) 86 580 5743
bonolo.makgale@up.ac.za
Fax: +27 (0) 86 580 5743
tariro.sekeramayi@up.ac.za
