HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT

BACKGROUND

• OUTA notified the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on the lack of monitoring and compliance by the Department of Water and Sanitation which is the custodian of Water.

• OUTA sought the SAHRC to investigate the complaint. 

WHY IS OUTA CHALLENGING IT

To ensure legislative compliance in South Africa’s water sector. 

WHAT IS OUTA DOING ABOUT IT/OUTA'S SOLUTION

• OUTA laid a complaint with the SAHRC and was referred to the Public Protector (PP).

• OUTA approached PP with complaint and awaiting response. 

TIMELINE

• 22 March 2017 – received response from the SAHRC indicating that complaint has been referred to the PP.

• 8 November 2017 – PP confirmed receipt of complaint from OUTA.  The Gauteng Provincial Office of the PP indicated that the complaint has been referred to the PP National Office for handling.

• 22 February 2018 – OUTA followed up with complaint with the PP.

• 22 March 2018 – further follow-up by OUTA to the PP.

• 3 May 2018 - further follow-up by OUTA to the PP and response received.  PP indicated that a response would be advanced to OUTA. 

• 10 May 2018 - further follow-up by OUTA to the PP.  No response pertaining to the merits of the complaint have been forthcoming.

• 23 November 2018 – OUTA sent final letter to PP, failure to respond will require OUTA to consider available legal avenues.