Here are links to some organisations that are concerned with religion, conscience, belief and your rights.
This government Commission was set up to promote and protect the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities in South Africa. It has reported on dress codes and initiation schools, amongst other things.
The Free Society Institute – fsi.org.za
This South African, independent, non-profit organisation aims to promoting free speech, free thought and scientific reasoning. They support the values of secular humanism.
Council for Secular Humanism – www.secularhumanism.org
This organisation promotes and defends a nonreligious lifestyle “rooted in science, naturalistic philosophy, and humanist ethics”. It promotes rational viewpoints on important social and ethical issues, and supports non-religious people. It has branches worldwide.
Atheist Alliance International – www.atheistalliance.org
AAI promotes the idea of “a secular world where public policy, scientific inquiry and
education are not influenced by religious beliefs, but based upon sound reasoning, rationality and evidence.” They challenge the beliefs of all religions and support atheists worldwide.
The National House of Traditional Leaders – www.nhtl.gov.za
This section of government also has Houses in each province. It must take part in government to make sure that “traditional leadership is restored, enhanced and preserved” and make sure to preserve and promote the language and culture of the African people.
The South African Council of Churches – www.sacc.org.za/index.html
This Christian organisation “works for moral reconstruction in South Africa, focussing on issues of justice, reconciliation, integrity of creation and the eradication of poverty and contributing towards the empowerment of all who are spiritually, socially and economically marginalised.”
South African Hindu Maha Sabha – www.sahms.org.za
SAHMS aims to “co-ordinate and promote the religious, social, spiritual, cultural, moral and educational advancement of the Hindu community” and to “encourage the study of Hindu philosophy, religion, literature, arts and science.”
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies – www.jewishsa.co.za
The Board works for “the betterment of human relations between Jews and all other peoples of South Africa, based on mutual respect, understanding and goodwill, and to protect the civil liberties of South African Jews” and for a society free from prejudice. The Board investigates any acts of anti-Semitism (anti-Jewishness) against South African Jews.
South African Muslim Network – www.samnet.co.za/
SAMNET aims to promote the ideals of Islam in Muslims, and to help the Muslim community to play a pivotal role in South Africa and the region. They also take up the cases of Muslims who have suffered hate crimes or been discriminated against because of their religion.
There are many organisations that are involved in the protection of human rights generally in South Africa. Click here to view these organisations contact details.
