PRESS RELEASE
To: All Media
ATT: News Editors, Human Rights Reporters
For Immediate Release
17 November 2025
TRC Victim Neville Beling Still Waiting for Medical Assistance After 19 Months of Government Delays
Statement by the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR)
The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) is deeply concerned with the government’s handling of the request for essential care for Neville Beling, a survivor of the 1993 Highgate Hotel attack in East London and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recognised victim of gross human rights violations. Despite 19 months of persistent efforts and numerous follow-ups with multiple government departments, including the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), and the Department of Social Development in East London, Mr Beling remains without the critical medical support he desperately needs. We call on the DOJ&CD and the Department of Social Development (DSD) to give this matter the urgent attention it deserves and to fulfil their obligations under the Constitution and the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act 34 of 1995.
On 1 May 1993, unknown gunmen attacked the Highgate Hotel in East London, leaving Mr Beling with devastating injuries. He has endured over 40 surgical procedures and died on the operating table three times, requiring resuscitation each time. The ongoing deterioration of his health means he can no longer live independently or attend to his personal needs, requiring daily assistance and access to frail care, which is not covered by his medical aid.
According to the government’s own interpretation of the TRC Act and the TRC Recommendations accepted by the government, victims of gross human rights violations recognised by the TRC are entitled to reparations, including a once-off payment, and medical, educational, housing, and community benefits. However, as no regulations have been adopted for housing, medical, or community reparations, we believe that these have been considered by the DOJ&CD on an ad hoc basis, with focal points appointed in the Departments of Health, Social Development, and other relevant departments.
It is incomprehensible that, under a democratic dispensation and more than 20 years after the closure of the TRC, victims of apartheid-era gross human rights violations continue to struggle for the realisation of their right to reparations and remain in precarious situations. The government’s failure to put measures in place to ensure access to reparations for victims recognised by the TRC (and for victims of apartheid-era gross human rights violations more broadly) violates their right to an effective remedy and reparation.
Since April 2024, the FHR and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) have been seeking support from the President’s Fund and the Department of Justice to cover Mr Beling’s essential frail care. The timeline of efforts includes:
April 2024: Initial request submitted to the President’s Fund and the DOJ&CD.
August 2024: After sustained engagement, the DOJ&CD referred the matter to the National Department of Health (DOH).
September 2024: CDH contacted the DOH, receiving acknowledgement that Mr Beling’s case had been discussed previously within the Department. However, the DOH has been unreachable since 30 September 2024 despite repeated follow-ups.
October 2024: A PAIA request revealed that records of the President’s Fund’s previous support for Mr Beling (nursing care provided in 1994/1995) were no longer in the DOJ&CD’s custody, and the request was transferred to the Department of Social Development (DSD).
November 2024: Following FHR intervention, the matter was referred to the DSD in East London.
Early 2025: The DSD East London conducted a home assessment. A social worker completed a report and submitted it to management for a decision.
July 2025: FHR was advised that the report had been finalised and would be sent to the DSD Eastern Cape provincial office for decision. However, confirmation of transmission and any decision remain elusive.
September-October 2025: Multiple attempts to contact DSD East London management have been largely unsuccessful.
October 2025: The TRC Unit within the DOJ&CD were formally requested to intervene with the DSD East London office to obtain a progress update. Despite follow-ups, there has been no further response from the DOJ&CD.
Despite these extensive efforts, Mr Beling still does not have access to the care he urgently requires. As he continues to be passed between government departments while his health deteriorates. His situation reflects a profound failure of our post-apartheid commitment to supporting victims of gross human rights violations.
The FHR remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting victims’ struggle for post-TRC reparations (whether victims’ recognised or not by the TRC), including securing the assistance Mr Beling needs. We will continue to pursue all available avenues until this matter is resolved. We further urge the state to act with the urgency and compassion this situation demands.
Media queries:
Media Contact for Nevile Beling: Theresa Edlemanm, t.edlmann@gmail.com/ 082 552 0190
Foundation for Human Rights: Sesetu Holomisa, sholomisa@fhr.org.za/ 071 391 0043
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr: Paige Winfield, paige.winfield@cdhlegal.com / 082 902 6525
