<P> The Civil Union Act 17 of 2006 legalized same - sex marriage in South Africa . It was a direct retort to the Minister of Home Affairs v Fourie, which did not recognize same - sex marriage as legal . </P> <P> South Africa's post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation . South Africa was the first country in Africa, and the fifth in the world, to legalise same - sex marriage . </P> <P> Intersex people in South Africa have some of the same rights as other people, but with significant gaps in protection from non-consensual cosmetic medical interventions and protection from discrimination . The country was the first to explicitly include intersex people in anti-discrimination law . </P> <P> South Africa has implicit and explicit labour regulations . Its implicit labour regulations are stated in the Constitution and set the boundaries for explicit regulations . Explicit regulations are set by employers and are specific to each job . On the other hand, implicit regulations are the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, the New Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, and the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998--each with subsequent amendments . The Labour Relations Act 66 allows workers to create unions and collectively bargain . Over the years, the number of unions in South Africa have declined . Also, there are fewer federation - associated trade unions and more independent trade unions in South Africa today . The Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 has regulations concerning working hours, leave, and termination . The New Employment Equity Act 55 was created to lessen discrimination . It also provides parameters for affirmative action . The Skills Development Act 97 promotes worker productivity and competitiveness in the market . </P>

Five instances of human rights violation that still occurs in south africa