Rights commission has important role to play

Mohamed Saeed

writes Pietermaritzburg.

Tfrom he case of cannibalism and murder in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, refers.

Just the thought of an individual murdering another human being and eating the body parts makes one feel nauseous. It is disgusting.

This truly wicked case of cannibalism must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators, if found guilty for such an inhuman practice, must be severely punished. This and other related cases of inhuman traditional, cultural or religious practices we read or hear of reinforces the need to seriously look at the proposal to parliament made by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities.

There needs to be the introduction of a Bill that will set up a governance framework for the religious and traditional sectors.

If such a Bill is passed after taking the religious needs of every community and the Bill of Rights into account, those found to be breaking the regulations of the code of conduct could be, like doctors, teachers and other professionals, brought to book.

I refer all members of religious, cultural and traditional organisations who wish to consider the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of boards of governors to the King IV report on governance.

This constitutes a recommendation for conduct and the appropriate values to enable the directors, trustees and members to discharge their duties.