Advocate Sabelo Sibanda on the Amended International Health Regulations and South Africa’s Constitutional Future

CUE Blog Feature: Advocate Sabelo Sibanda on the Amended International Health Regulations and South Africa’s Constitutional Future

South Africa is preparing for a significant shift on September 19, 2025, when the Amended International Health Regulations (IHR) come into effect. These global health rules, adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO), aim to strengthen international cooperation in times of health emergencies. But what do they mean for South African families, schools, and democratic sovereignty?

To unpack these urgent questions, CUE sat down with Advocate Sabelo Sibanda, founder of The International Alliance of Lawctivists. Known across the country as “The People’s Lawctivist”, Sibanda has dedicated his career to defending constitutional rights, protecting family autonomy, and challenging policies that risk undermining South Africa’s democratic principles.

According to Sibanda, the amended IHRs represent more than just health protocols.

“On September 19, South Africa will find itself bound by regulations that could influence not only public health policy, but also parental rights, education, and even the functioning of our constitutional democracy. It is a pivotal moment because these regulations create a framework where international bodies may influence, or even override, local laws in the name of global health security.”

Sibanda’s journey toward creating The International Alliance of Lawctivists was shaped by a deep commitment to combining legal knowledge with grassroots activism.

“Lawctivism is about taking the law out of courtrooms and academic debates, and putting it into the hands of people. Unlike traditional legal advocacy, which often operates within closed systems, lawctivism empowers families and communities to actively defend their rights.”

One of the most pressing issues Sibanda raises is how the amended regulations could affect healthcare decision-making for children.

“There is a risk that these regulations may diminish parental authority when it comes to medical interventions. Parents could find themselves sidelined, with decisions about their children’s health being dictated by international protocols rather than personal choice or cultural context.”

Sibanda warns that the education system may also feel the effects.

“Learners’ rights to education, privacy, and bodily autonomy could be compromised if schools are compelled to follow international health directives that do not reflect South Africa’s constitutional protections.”

From a constitutional perspective, Sibanda highlights freedom, dignity, and bodily integrity as key rights under threat.

“The South African Constitution is clear about protecting individual rights. Any regulation that bypasses these protections, even in the name of global health, risks eroding the very foundation of our democracy.”

A major concern is how international law interacts with domestic sovereignty.

“The danger lies in South Africa being required to implement regulations that are not debated or passed through our democratic processes. That’s a fundamental compromise of sovereignty.”

When asked how ordinary citizens can respond, Sibanda is firm:

“Parents and communities must become watchdogs. They need to question policies, attend public forums, and assert their constitutional rights. Silence is compliance.”

Sibanda stresses that knowledge is power.

“Ordinary South Africans must engage with trusted legal organisations, follow credible information sources, and understand the remedies available under the Constitution. Legal literacy is the first line of defence.”

Through The International Alliance of Lawctivists, Sibanda is mobilising legal experts, educators, and community leaders.

“We are hosting public dialogues, creating accessible resources, and preparing legal challenges where necessary. We invite concerned citizens to get involved because this is not just a legal issue—it’s a societal one.”

Finally, Sibanda reflects on the broader struggle for South Africa’s democracy.

“The next few years will be critical. We will face battles not only around health regulations but also around data privacy, children’s rights, and state accountability. The fight for constitutional integrity is ongoing, and every South African has a role to play.”

Advocate Sabelo Sibanda’s message is clear: September 19, 2025, is not just another date on the calendar—it is a turning point. As South Africa enters this new phase of international health governance, the voices of parents, learners, and communities will be more important than ever in defending constitutional rights and national sovereignty.

For more information, visit The International Alliance of Lawctivists and stay engaged with the conversation that could shape South Africa’s future.

Writen by Nicholas Martin