Court to hear arguments on preventing export of live animals
The Eastern Cape High Court is set to hear arguments in an interdict to prevent around 70,000 sheep from being exported live to the Middle East
Virtual workshop on Decolonial Comparative Law
Join us for a virtual workshop on Decolonial Comparative Law from 6 - 7 October co-hosted with the Wits School of Law and the Max Planck Institute in Hamburg
Officials face arrest for once again failing to supply water
Limpopo communities call for officials to face jail time and personal costs for consistent failure to provide water in line with court orders even amid pandemic
Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng appointed as UN Special Rapporteur
CALS welcomes the appointment of Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health
Op-ed: What do financial injections mean for us?
There are pros and cons to the financial measures brought in to provide relief and stimulate the economy
CALS Quarterly Issue 9
What we've been working on during lockdown, featuring human rights defenders facing SLAPP suits, the difficulties of trying to stay home without a home and more
How to stay home without a home
CALS is very pleased to be partnering with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on a project addressing home, land and tenure issues during lockdown
Court to hear arguments on SLAPP suits
We are intervening in a 'defamation' case against environmental activists we believe is a perfect example of strategic litigation against public participation
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Green New Eskom Digital Rally
Join the Climate Justice Coalition in calling for a green new Eskom at a digital rally this World Environment Day
Housing is critical for healthcare during lockdown
Social justice movements and organisations call on government to a reinstate blanket ban on evictions
Celebrating one year with Prof Tshepo Madlingozi
To mark his first anniversary with us, CALS would like to show our appreciation for a leader who has proved both brilliant and compassionate in trying times
Human rights monitors under threat
CALS has been admitted as a friend of the court in a matter where the City is attempting to block human rights monitors from accessing a shelter
Op-ed: We are women, we are mothers
"We are in a strange form of lockdown" - The everyday realities of lockdown for women living in one of South Africa's rural communities
Civil society calls for extension to evictions moratorium
Dozens of organisations have endorsed a letter to the National Command Council asking for the moratorium on evictions to continue during alert level four
Op-ed: No water and no space to breathe
The impossibility of abiding by social distancing regulation by dwellers of shack settlements, inner-city buildings and neglected villages
Op-ed: The impact of the national lockdown on the right to protest
The Right2Protest Project explore how the lockdown has impacted the right to protest and how activism can continue without gathering in person
Judgment confirms community inclusion in mining regulations
The Labour Court has ordered the state to adopt measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in mines and to engage meaningfully with affected communities
Ongoing Exclusion of Mining Communities during Coronavirus Pandemic
Civil society is still concerned over the exclusion of mining affected communities from deliberations and lack of measures to protect them from the coronavirus
UN expert calls for reform of corporate accountability measures
Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky argues that our work trying to hold apartheid's banks to account shows the need for urgent reform of the OECD accountability mechanism
Mining communities head to court for protection from Covid-19
Community network MACUA, represented by CALS, is applying to intervene as a friend of the court in AMCU's urgent Labour Court application
Call to address coronavirus in correctional centres
University human rights centres call for South African government’s intervention on correctional centres’ conditions during the coronavirus pandemic
Comments on mining sector lockdown amendments
We respond to the amendments to Lockdown regulations relating to the mining sector
Call to address the plight of migrants
University centres call on the state to address the plight of migrants during the coronavirus crisis
Open letter on mining communities and coronavirus
Civil society writes to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Gwede Mantashe on measures to protect mining-affected communities and workers from coronavirus
Comment on possible forced relocations
A response to the State identifying areas for de-densification in an effort to combat the spread of Coronavirus
Contact details during lockdown
While our offices are closed during lockdown, you can still contact any of our teams for legal advice and support or call the national hotline on 066 076 8845
Social justice movements call for moratorium on evictions
27 social justice movements and organisations have written to government calling for a moratorium on all evictions in light of the coronavirus pandemic
CALS Quarterly Issue 8
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter – find out about social justice in the time of a pandemic, recent access to info victories and more
Response to coronavirus outbreak
We are taking measures to protect our clients and staff, and find ways to continue to advance social justice at a time of social distancing
#HimOrMe: Trial begins for mother of two accused of killing abuser
CALS is set to appear in the Palmridge Magistrates Court to defend a woman accused of killing her abusive partner during an incident of domestic violence
Report on incidents in G4S-run prison released
The Department of Correctional Services has complied with a court order to release a report on incidents at Mangaung Correctional Centre
State ordered to give reasons for super max prison transfer
We appeared in the High Court last week representing an individual moved to South Africa’s only super maximum security prison for no clear reason
Launch: Joint civil society submission on state capture
On 19 February the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture will launch a joint submission to the Zondo Commission of Inquiry
Court orders report on incidents in G4S-run prison to be made public
Today the High Court granted us access to a report into incidents at G4S-run Mangaung Correctional Centre and ordered G4S and the state to pay our costs
Xolobeni: Mining applications should be made public
CALS will be in the Pretoria High Court on 10 February, arguing that mining communities should be able to access mining rights applications
Event: Civil Society and the Pan-African Parliament
Join us for a side event at this year's Alternative Mining Indaba hosted in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Communities speak out on mining regulations
On Friday, 31 January, members of mining affected community networks and civil society groups will hand deliver comments on two important bills to the DMR
Call for arrests after Municipality once again fails to comply with court order
Communities call for officials to face jail time and personal costs for consistent failure to provide water in line with court order
CALS Quarterly Issue 7
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter – featuring updates on our recent court battles, judgments, celebrations and much more
Con Court rules common purpose applies in rape cases
CALS appeared in the Constitutional Court today for a landmark judgment that confirms a person can be found guilty of rape on the basis of common purpose
Victory for Limpopo communities demanding access to water
High Court holds Municipality in contempt for failing to comply with a court order directing them to provide villages with water
#HimOrMe: Mother of two goes on trial following abusive partner’s death
Next Monday, CALS will appear in the Palmridge Magistrates Court on behalf of a woman accused of killing her abusive partner during one of his frequent attacks
Report on torture claims in G4S-run prison should be made public
CALS will appear in the High Court on Monday arguing for the release of a report on investigations into claims of torture at the privately run Mangaung prison
#FeesMustFall Activist Kanya Cekeshe
Public statement by former student leaders and members of the clergy and civil society concerning #FeesMustFall student activist, Kanya Cekeshe
Congratulations to Louis Snyman on completing his PhD
Life of community activist under threat
Vuyo Sibulali, one of our clients who fights for his community's rights and speaks out against corruption, has received a tip that his life is in danger
Transnet sexual harassment case heads to Labour Court
CALS will be in the Labour Court on 30 October on behalf of a woman seeking to hold Transnet accountable for failing to address persistent sexual harassment
Gauteng Department continues to evict survivors from shelter
CALS represents a number of survivors of gender-based violence facing almost constant eviction from a shelter, run by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety
African organisations call for a Binding Treaty
African civil society organisations are calling for a Binding Treaty on business and human rights that reflects African perspectives
Africans for a Binding Treaty
CALS and twelve other African civil society organisations call for a UN Binding Treaty on business and human rights that reflects African perspectives
Save the date for PILG 2019
This year's Public Interest Law Gathering will be held on 31 October and 1 November at the New Commerce Building at Wits University
Civil society concerned about persistent PAIA non-compliance
Gravely concerned with the chilling effect of persistent PAIA non-compliance, civil society calls for the urgent operationalisation of the Information Regulator
National Indaba on U.N. Binding Treaty
Southern African civil society organisations are hosting a national indaba to prepare for upcoming treaty negotiations in October
CALS Quarterly Issue 6
Women's Month victories, struggles and more
Binding Treaty Indaba
Join us to discuss the proposed international legally binding instrument on transnational corporations & other business enterprises with respect to human rights
CALS to argue common purpose should apply to rape
CALS will appear tomorrow in a landmark case before the Con Court dealing with whether someone can be found guilty of rape on the basis of common purpose
Tribute to Justice Edwin Cameron
As he steps down from the Constitutional Court, CALS would like to celebrate the remarkable legacy of one of our most illustrious alumni: Justice Edwin Cameron
Symposium in honour of Justice Edwin Cameron
Report back: Women's Socio-Economic Rights
CALS co-hosted a discussion with the ICJ highlighting the gendered impacts of social and economic violence in South Africa
CALS intern wins Student Change Maker Award
Congratulations to Abongile Nkamisa, a current CALS intern, on winning a 2019 Woza Women in Law Award
Women's Socio-Economic Rights
CALS & the ICJ commemorate Women's Month on 14 August with a discussion on gendered economic & social violence – with keynote address by Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
European authorities refuse to investigate apartheid's banks
Authorities in Belgium & Luxembourg are refusing to investigate CALS' complaint detailing the role of European banks in supporting and profiting from apartheid
Rape and the principle of common purpose
Con Court admits CALS as friend of the court in an important matter dealing with whether someone can be found guilty of rape on the basis of common purpose
Radically reimagining justice
Join us for an event co-hosted with the Incarceration Nations Network on 8 November 2019 featuring guests from Ghana, Brazil, Kenya, Norway, the U.S. and more
1316 NGOs call on UN to #RenewIESOGI
CALS joins call for the UN Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity to be renewe
CALS comments on NEMA Financial Provisions
Our Environmental Justice team comments on proposed updates to financial provisions for rehabilitating environmental damage caused by mining
Read the latest issue of the CALS Quarterly
Meet our new Director, catch up on Apartheid's Banks, bail applications and more
International Day Against Torture
CALS joins African civil society groups to call for reform in Zimbabwe
Court denies bail to mother of two awaiting trial after abusive partner's death
CALS joins landmark case on assisted dying
The High Court today admitted CALS as a friend of the court in a matter brought by two terminally ill individuals against the Minister of Health and Others
Judicial approaches to poverty
The first in our series of seminars bringing together current and former acting judges to discuss the issues they face in courtrooms took place on 30 May 2019
Apartheid's banks no closer to facing justice
One year after CALS and Open Secrets brought to light evidence that European banks profited from apartheid, no decision has been made on whether to investigate
Dr Tshepo Madlingozi appointed as new CALS Director
We are very pleased to announce Dr Tshepo Madlingozi has been appointed as the new Director of CALS from June this year
Resisting the looters who stole our human rights
This Human Rights Day, civil society working group recognises the struggle against state capture as a struggle for human rights
CALS Quarterly Issue 4
Catch up on all things CALS in 2019
CALS connects social justice and academia
CALS is not only a law clinic, but also a research centre at Wits University. We have a unique role to play in connecting social justice and academia
Former CALS Director to be knighted
Prof Bonita Meyersfeld will be appointed a Knight of the National Order of Merit by France for her work on gender-based violence on 19 March 2019
Open letter on access to water in rural Limpopo
A member of one of our client communities, Butibuti Mabuso, has written an open letter to the President about the lack of access to water in rural Limpopo
CALS notes Competition Tribunal order
Competition Tribunal places a number of conditions on the merger between Lonmin and Sibanye on existing social commitments and establishing a community forum
Sexual harassment complaint
A complaint of sexual harassment has been made to the Wits Gender Equity Office by someone in the Wits community against a staff member at CALS
CALS turns 40
To celebrate our 40th birthday, CALS is hosting an open sympsoium on 1 November at the Chalsty Centre themed 'Reflecting on the past and dreaming of the future'
Civil society holds side event on UN Binding Treaty
Academics and NGOs welcome draft Binding Treaty
South African Academics and NGOS welcome Draft of Treaty to Regulate, in International Human Rights Law, the Activities of Transnational Corporations
Former Director named a Knight of the National Order of Merit
Prof Bonita Meyersfeld has been named a Knight of the National Order of Merit by the President of France in recognition of her work on gender-based violence
Book launch: John Dugard's "Confronting Apartheid"
CALS is partnering with Jacana Media to host the launch of Prof John Dugard’s memoirs "Confronting Apartheid" in conversation with Justice Edwin Cameron.
Supreme Court of Appeal rules social grants must be protected
CALS and Black Sash note SCA ruling that it is up to government to protect social grants from predatory marketing practices and unlawful deductions
Con Court holds Minister Dlamini personally liable for social grants crisis
CALS and Black Sash welcome today's Con Court judgment ordering Minister Dlamini to pay a portion of legal costs resulting from last year's social grants crisis
CALS and community networks weigh in on draft Mining Charter
CALS and three of SA’s largest mining community networks MACUA, WAMUA and MEJCON-SA comment on the 2018 draft Mining Charter
Panel discussion and launch of report on activist victimisation
As part of this year's Public Interest Law Gathering, CALS will be hosting a panel and launching our report on activist victimisation
CALS and Black Sash note latest Con Court judgment in SASSA case
Today's judgment provides reasons the Court granted an extension of the CPS contract and awards costs against SASSA and its CEO in her official capacity
CALS to argue in Con Court that SADC changes require public participation
CALS & the LRC will appear in the Con Court tomorrow to highlight the importance of public consultation by the state when entering into international agreements
Registration is open for PILG 2018
Civil society partners with DIRCO to host indaba on UN Binding Treaty
CALS, ActionAid and Laywers for Human Rights are partnering with DIRCO to host a discussion on the proposed UN Binding Treaty from 21 August in Johannesburg
CALS and Black Sash back in court to ensure social grant beneficiaries protected
CALS will be in the Supreme Court of Appeal on 16 and 17 August to ensure social grant beneficiaries are protected from unauthorised and unlawful deductions
Joint statement condemning attacks on civil society organisations and activists
Over 90 organisations come together to condemn physical and verbal attacks on environmental justice activists in South Africa
CALS and TBF welcome Con Court judgment
Teddy Bear Foundation and CALS welcome Constitutional Court judgment confirming time limits for prosecuting sexual offences unconstitutional
Update: Blow to apartheid's banks
UN Independent Expert supports complaint by CALS and Open Secrets against European banks complicit in defying UN arms sanctions during apartheid
Land colloquium
CALS and the South African Journal on Human Rights are hosting a day long colloquium entitled 'Land and property in a contested terrain' on 2 July 2018
Former CALS Director appointed NRF SARChI Chair
Prof Cathi Albertyn has been awarded the NRF SARChI Research Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice
BHRRC is recruiting
The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre is looking for a new Researcher and Representative for Southern and Anglophone West Africa
Holding Apartheid's Banks to Account
Open Secrets and CALS go to Europe to demand accountability for the international banks that financed apartheid
Johannesburg Mayor must address the inner city housing crisis
Event: Holding Apartheid's Banks to Account
CALS and Open Secrets
Jacqueline Moudeïna nominated for Robert F Kennedy Award
CALS nominates lawyer responsible for bringing dictator Hissène Habré to justice for crimes against humanity for the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award
Constitutional Court forced to extend CPS contract for another six months
Communities again excluded from Mining Charter discussions despite court order
Despite a court order declaring mining affected communities are core stakeholders, they were again left out of Mining Charter talks this weekend
Judge to hear closing arguments in SASSA Inquiry
Closing arguments in the Constitutional Court mandated inquiry into the former Minister of Social Development’s personal liability will be heard on 19 March
SASSA Back in the Constitutional Court One Year Later
It has been nearly a year since CALS and Black Sash approached the Constitutional Court to avoid a national crisis in the social grants system
Victory in High Court Case On SADC Tribunal
The High Court has ruled that the Presidency acted unconstitutionally in supporting a resolution to suspend the SADC Tribunal
CALS to present evidence on intimidation of human rights defenders
CALS has been admitted as a ‘friend of the court’ in a defamation case brought by Mineral Sands Resources in an attempt to silence and threaten activists
Victory for mining affected communities
The Pretoria High Court has today recognised mining affected communities as core stakeholders who must be consulted on Mining Charter
Urgent Mining Charter update
Communities informed Minister of Mineral Resources and Chamber of Mines seek to postpone Mining Charter challenge
Challenge to the Mining Charter to be heard next week
The Pretoria High Court is set to hear arguments on the Mining Charter from mining community networks from 19 – 21 February
Alternative Mining Indaba - Mining Charter discussion
CALS is hosting a side panel at this year's Alternative Mining Indaba on our intervention in the Mining Charter review on behalf of mining community networks
CALS to argue SADC changes require public consultation
CALS will appear in the High Court next week arguing that the Presidency cannot bind South Africa to international treaties without first consulting the public
Minister Dlamini to appear before inquiry to account for social grant debacle
The Constitutional Court mandated enquiry into the Minister of Social Developments’ personal liability is set to take place from 22 - 26 January in Midrand
World Bank to investigate complaint on Lonmin's social and environmental impacts
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman will investigate a complaint by the women of Marikana on Lonmin’s failure to comply with its social and labour plans
Vacancy at ACCA
The African Coalition for Corporate Accountability is recruiting for a project co-ordinator
Victory for shelter residents
Constitutional Court declares City of Johannesburg shelter rules unconstitutional
Independent report disputes CPS disclosed full extent of profit
CPS financial statement submitted to the Constitutional Court, audited by KPMG, has not provided enough information to determine how much the company benefited
Victory for mining community networks
High Court rules community networks must be joined to Mining Charter review and Chamber of Mines must pay costs for opposing their application
Community participation in Mining Charter Review opposed by Chamber of Mines
The Chamber of Mines complains the Mining Charter was developed without meaningful consultation, yet opposes community networks joining its review
TBF argues against time limits for prosecuting sexual offences
IMC urged to fast-track SASSA, SAPO deal
City of Johannesburg fails to provide services in Zondi
Owners of properties in Soweto are charged rates and taxes though their stands are not connected to basic services and they are unable to occupy their own land
Mining company threatens environmental activists
Mineral Sands Resources uses ‘defamation’ case in an attempt to intimidate and silence human rights defenders
People's Tribunal on Economic Crime postponed
The first hearings on the arms trade will take place from 3-7 February 2018 and Justice Zak Yacoob and Yasmin Sooka will form part of the panel of adjudicators
Mining Community Networks Apply to Join Mining Charter Case
Mining communities demand meaningful engagement on the systems intended to benefit them
Call for abstracts: CALS/SAJHR Colloquium on Land and Property
CALS and the South African Journal on Human Rights will convene a Colloquium on ‘Land and Property in a Contested Terrain’ in July 2018
Social grants update
Dereliction of duties: how the constitutional right of access to information is being undermined
Call for Evidence for People's Tribunal on Economic Crime
Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg First Hearings: 8-12 November 2017
Call for officials to face jail time for non-compliance with court order
CALS contributes to Amnesty International publication
CALS Deputy Director Lisa Chamberlain adds to publication on accessing remedies for corporate human rights abuses
Lawyers against Abuse is recruting
LvA seeks to appoint an Attorney on a full-time basis, based in Diepsloot, Johannesburg
BHRRC is recruiting
Business and Human Rights Resource Centre is seeking a Programme Manager for its Corporate Legal Accountability work
Municipality agrees to provide more consistent water supply to villages in Limpopo
Community members take Municipality to court over lack of access to water
CALS and Black Sash welcome Con Court order on social grant enquiry
Con Court orders Justice Bernard Ngoepe to be appointed as referee in case against SASSA
CALS and Black Sash seek to appeal ruling on social grant deductions
Call to end gross human rights violations in Sudan
Call by Human Rights Organisations for Urgent Intervention by the South African government to stop gross human rights violations in the Republic of South Sudan
200 Young South Africans
CALS is very proud to announce that Nomonde Nyembe has been listed as one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans for 2017
Victory for Community Activist Victimised by Mine
Court overturns cost order sought against community activist by West Coast Resources
LvA is hiring
Government should support UN resolutions on women and children
Civil society calls on government to support resolutions to address violence against women & to end child marriage currently before the UN Human Rights Council
Tribute to Lord Joel Joffe
Leave to appeal social grant deductions case refused
CALS welcomes release of Mining Charter
New Mining Charter incorporates transformative changes from CALS reports
Teddy Bear Foundation and CALS Welcome Judgment In Sidney Frankel case
Court finds prescription periods for prosecuting any sexual offences invalid
Latest judgment in social grants case
Con Court orders that Minister Dlamini be joined to social grants case in personal capacity
Family Lodges Claim Against Mining Companies for Rape & Murder of Binkey Mosiane
Teddy Bear Foundation and CALS Enter Sidney Frankel Sexual Assault Case
Court to hear argument on prescription periods for prosecuting sexual assault
Judgment in social grants deductions case tomorrow 9 May 2017
PILG Save the Date
Save the date for this year's Public Interest Law Gathering from 24 - 26 July 2017 at the University of the Western Cape
Report Launch: Social and Labour Plans
Hamba kahle, Comrade Kathrada
CALS welcomes Constitutional Court judgment on social grants
Recurrence of xenophobic attacks in South Africa
Black Sash takes SASSA to Constitutional Court over grants
The Black Sash Trust, represented by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, launches Constitutional Court application against SASSA to protect social grants
New report reveals shocking failure to uphold right of access to information
Shelter case to be heard in the Constitutional Court
CALS challenges the gendered impact of City of Johannesburg shelter rules
Civil Society Coalition Vows to Fight MPRDA
Mining charter challenged
Legal challenge to the transformative aspirations of the Mining Charter continues
Community activist victimised by mine
West Coast Resources seeks cost order to silence community activist
Women of Marikana withdraw from dispute resolution process with Lonmin
South Africa encouraged to lead continent in recognising LGBTQ rights
Open letter to Ministers Nkoana-Mashabane and Masutha
A call to uphold constitutional commitments and to vote against the resolution to suspend the work of UN expert on sexual orientation and gender identity
Gender Equity Office Vacancy
Young lawyers call for transformation
29th Annual Labour Law Conference
Statement: Activists rally for environmental justice in the mining sector
The New Way Forward for BRICS Bank
Groups call for openness and commitment to sustainability
Right to Protest Vacancies
Register for Public Interest Law Gathering
A Coming Together of Public Interest Law Practitioners in South Africa
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Conectas is hiring
Public Interest Law Gathering 2016
A Coming Together of Public Interest Law Practitioners in South Africa
Lisa Chamberlain honoured at awards ceremony
Solidarity with #BopheloHouse94 and the right to protest
Statement of support by the Right2Know Campaign
CALS condemns Orlando shooting
Tshisimani is recruiting
The Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education is keen to support the development and offering from 2017 of a programme for lawyers involved in social justice law
Media Freedom and Social Justice: A conversation with our journalists
Call for panel topics
WoMin is recruiting
Business & human rights treaty debate
Save the date - Public Interest Law Gathering
Lawyers against Abuse is hiring
NGO Statement on Helen Suzman Foundation Raid
Victory for Freedom Park Community
Court orders Gauteng MEC for Housing to provide policies on RDP housing allocation.
CALS supports legal recognition of assisted dying
Public debate on binding treaty
Vacancy at Wits Justice Project
Applications for the appointment to the full time position of Project Co-ordinator of the Wits Justice Project (WJP) are now open.
Detention of Hossam Bahgat
Statement on the detention of Hossam Bahgat by members of the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations.
Charges against protesters withdrawn
Charges against 141 protesting workers and students withdrawn.
FeesMustFall Union Buildings March
Yesterday, CALS – a human rights organisation based at the School of Law at Wits University – marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Tribute to Gednezar Dladla
CALS mourns the loss of Mr Gednezar Dladla, who passed away on the morning of 18 October 2015.
National Action Plans
African and Asian researchers submit final report for UN project on national action plans for business and human rights to the UN Working Group.