SA Human Rights Commission awards Citation of Honour to Kraaifontein community leader

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has awarded a Citation of Honour to Kraaifontein community activist Linda Phito in recognition of his voluntary contribution to the community.

A Citation of Honour award is a formal prize recognising outstanding service, achievement, or dedication, presented as a written statement detailing the recipient's specific contributions.

In a statement, the commission said Mr Phito, the founder of the Community Advisory Services non-profit organisation, was recognised for his ongoing human rights activism.

The SAHRC said he consistently engages in challenges facing residents and has worked closely with the commission to find solutions.

“Through education, outreach and mobilisation, he empowers residents and community leaders on their rights and responsibilities. Mr Phito also operates a resource centre that supports community needs and assists residents in accessing government services,” the commission said.

According to the SAHRC, his support has been instrumental in resolving complaints and facilitating site inspections, during which he called attention to the lived realities of affected residents.

Last year, this publication reported that the commission was investigating a complaint lodged by Mr Phito after he requested intervention when residents of the Covid Informal Settlement in Bloekombos had been without access to drinking water for more than a year.

The City of Cape Town later confirmed that a water tanker had been dispatched to the area.

Reacting to the recognition, Mr Phito said he was grateful to the commission for acknowledging his work.

“It is with great happiness that I receive this honour. I am grateful to the commission for opening doors and supporting me in ensuring that human rights are addressed by the government at national, provincial and local levels,” he said.

He added that poor service delivery remains a major challenge in the Kraaifontein area, particularly in relation to housing delivery, sewage spillages, and crime.