CRL Rights Commission

CRL Rights Commission Commission for the Promotion & Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious & Linguistic Communities.

A united South African Nation that protects and promotes the
cultural religious and linguistic rights of all its diverse communities.

02/09/2026

Deputy Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, Prince George Mahlangu, joined Daily Thetha on SABC 1 to engage on matters of initiation. He reaffirmed the importance of promoting lawful and safe initiation practices while condemning unlawful initiation and illegal initiation schools that place young boys at risk.

Video source: SABC1 - Daily Thetha - 1 Sept 2026

[ATTENTION] HAPPY SPRING DAYAs South Africa welcomes the arrival of spring, the CRL Rights Commission reflects on the va...
01/09/2026

[ATTENTION] HAPPY SPRING DAY

As South Africa welcomes the arrival of spring, the CRL Rights Commission reflects on the values of renewal, diversity and shared responsibility that underpins our constitutional democracy.

The Commission remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to promote and protect the rights of CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS and LINGUISTIC communities, to practise, celebrate and preserve their culture, religion and language. In all that we do, our work is guided by our legislative mandate and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, with a continued commitment to equality, human dignity, human rights and social cohesion.

May this Spring Day serve as a reminder of the strength found in our diversity and the importance of fostering a society founded on mutual respect and understanding.


🚨[DEADLINE TODAY, 31st AUGUST 2026]🚨The CRL Rights Commission invites all existing and recognised Cultural, Religious an...
31/08/2026

🚨[DEADLINE TODAY, 31st AUGUST 2026]🚨

The CRL Rights Commission invites all existing and recognised Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Community Councils to update their information before the deadline of 31 August 2026.

Keeping your details current ensures that the Commission's database remains accurate, supporting effective communication, stakeholder coordination, governance oversight, and the continued promotion and protection of CRL community rights in South Africa.

If your council is already registered with the Commission, update your information here: https://shorturl.at/dIYaQ

[DEADLINE ALERT ⚠️]CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE REGISTRATIONThe CRL Rights Commission informs all communities that unregistered cu...
31/08/2026

[DEADLINE ALERT ⚠️]

CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE REGISTRATION

The CRL Rights Commission informs all communities that unregistered customary marriages must be officially registered by 31 August 2026, as announced by the Department of Home Affairs.

This applies to marriages concluded under African Customary Law, both before and after 1998. Registration ensures legal recognition and provides important protections, including access to a marriage certificate, property rights and inheritance.

Couples are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office or engage a recognised traditional leader to complete the process.

Learn more about the requirements and registration process: https://www.crlcommission.org.za/deadline-set-for-registration-of-unregistered-customary-marriages-31-august-2026/

28/08/2026

[SELF-REGULATION — NOT STATE REGULATION]

The CRL Rights Commission has repeatedly and unequivocally clarified its position: the Commission is advocating for SELF-REGULATION, NOT STATE REGULATION.

Despite this clear and consistent position, certain individuals and organisations continue to deliberately circulate false, misleading and distorted narratives about the Commission’s work. These attempts to mislead the public do not change the facts, nor do they alter the Commission’s constitutional and legislative mandate.

The Commission will not be distracted by persistent disinformation, sensationalism or deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility. Our position is a matter of public record, and it remains unchanged.

The Commission conducts its work on the basis of its mandate, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the applicable legislative framework. Every engagement, process and intervention undertaken by the Commission is guided by these principles.




[HAPPENING NOW]Following the alleged refusal by Cosmo Secondary School to re-admit a 16-year-old learner who recently re...
27/08/2026

[HAPPENING NOW]
Following the alleged refusal by Cosmo Secondary School to re-admit a 16-year-old learner who recently returned from Ndebele initiation, the CRL Rights Commission is engaging with both the learner’s parents and the school to facilitate constructive dialogue and seek a fair, lawful and rights-based resolution.

Representatives of Amandebele traditional leadership are also participating in the engagement, recognising the importance of bringing together all relevant stakeholders when matters involving cultural practices, education and the rights of children arise.

The CRL Rights Commission’s intervention is aimed at creating a platform for all parties to be heard, clarifying the facts, addressing misunderstandings and identifying practical solutions that respect the learner’s rights while recognising the importance of cultural heritage and the responsibilities of educational institutions.

Engagements of this nature are critical in resolving sensitive disputes before they escalate into broader conflict. Through dialogue, mediation and stakeholder consultation, the Commission seeks to promote understanding, protect constitutional rights and ensure that cultural, religious and linguistic matters are addressed within the framework of the Constitution and the law.

This engagement forms part of the CRL Rights Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote and protect the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities and to contribute towards a society in which cultural rights and other fundamental rights are respected and upheld.

The CRL Rights Commission remains committed to constructive engagement, finding solutions and ensuring that rights are protected while cultural practices are respected.

[IMPORTANT REMINDER]CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE REGISTRATIONThe CRL Rights Commission informs all communities that unregistered c...
26/08/2026

[IMPORTANT REMINDER]

CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE REGISTRATION

The CRL Rights Commission informs all communities that unregistered customary marriages must be officially registered by 31 August 2026, as announced by the Department of Home Affairs.

This applies to marriages concluded under African Customary Law, both before and after 1998. Registration ensures legal recognition and provides important protections, including access to a marriage certificate, property rights and inheritance.

Couples are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office or engage a recognised traditional leader to complete the process.

Learn more about the requirements and registration process: https://www.crlcommission.org.za/deadline-set-for-registration-of-unregistered-customary-marriages-31-august-2026/

Address

33 Hoofd Street
Johannesburg
2001

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27113589100

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CRL Rights Commission posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to CRL Rights Commission:

Shortcuts

Share