The Eastern Cape road infrastructure has been deemed a violation of human rights by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

SAHRC conducted research around the rural areas that highlighted the devastating impact of neglected roads, particularly in the rural areas where access to essential services is vital for their daily commute.

Dr. Eileen Carter, a SAHRC manager in the Eastern Cape, stated in an interview with Newzroom Afrika that "years of neglected infrastructure have left roads, potholes, and bridges defective to the communities."

Carter also stressed that “Unless the National Treasury intervenes to address the backlog, these human rights violations will persist.”

IOL spoke to Yalezo Kheyizana, a resident at Flagstaff, who said, “I have to move from home because when it rains we don’t have transport.”

“It is pointless to buy a car here because of the potholes and gravel roads; even ambulances refuse to come this side; we have to hire a transport closer to a tare road to be picked up by an ambulance,” he continued.

IOL also spoke to Ntombikhona Dlamini, who is a resident at KwaNyuswa in Ndwedwe. “My child attends Our Lady of the Rosary School in Montobello; the road is not good to travel, especially during heavy rainfall, and my child has to rent a place near the school.”

The findings of SAHRC painted a stark picture of a nation violating basic human rights such as access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

The Human Rights Constitution, enshrined in Section 7, guarantees everyone the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare and emergency medical treatment. Section 29(1)(a) also enshrines the right to basic education, including adult basic education, as a constitutionally protected human right, with the state responsible for its availability.

Based on the report released by Philile Ntuli, Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission and Chairperson of the Inquiry in 2024, "In many rural areas, ambulances are frequently unable to reach patients in critical need, leading to preventable deaths. Moreover, clinics and hospitals are becoming increasingly isolated, cutting off vulnerable communities from vital medical assistance.

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana estimated that over R1.03 trillion will be spent on public infrastructure projects over three years.

With R402 billion allocated for transport and logistics and R100 billion for investments to the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral). This allocation will address the violated human rights in South Africa.

IOL