Civil society heads to court over unfair SRD grant regulations
CALS represents the Black Sash Trust in a review of new regulations governing the social relief of distress grants which we argue are unconstitutional
CALS Quarterly Issue 17
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter and catch up on our recent highlights supporting others to raise their voices against injustice
High Court rules charging fees to protest is unconstitutional
CALS and the Right2Protest Project welcome a historic judgment in a matter brought on behalf of the Right2Know Campaign challenging fees charged for protests
Sekhukhune communities petition Parliament to dissolve Municipality
CALS represents communities who have approached the Select Committee on Petitions following years of struggle for proper access to water
Understanding South Africa's position on the UN binding treaty
Join us for a webinar unpacking South Africa's position on the UN binding treaty on business and human rights
Obstetric violence seminar series launch
In celebration of the Wits centenary, CALS and the Wits School of Law are hosting a series of hybrid seminars on obstetric violence
Opportunity to join the Environmental Justice Fund Grants Committee
The Environmental Justice Fund is recruiting members for its Grants Committee who will be responsible for making decisions on grant applications
Civil society organisations take financial sector regulator to court
CALS represents Open Secrets and the Unpaid Benefits Campaign in an application to address the unlawful cancellation of pension funds
CALS partners with Human Rights Commission on Equality Courts project
CALS and the SA Human Rights Commission are collaborating on a project focusing on the use of the Equality Courts to promote gender justice
CALS supports Prof David Bilchitz nomination to UN Working Group
Prof Bilchitz has our full support in his application to the UN Working Group on business and human rights
Human rights groups join class action on lead mining in Zambia
CALS represents two human rights organisations as friends of the court in a class action on the effects of lead mining on women and children in Kabwe, Zambia
Open letter on failure to hold mines accountable
Open Letter to Minister Mantashe on the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s failure to hold mining companies accountable
Open letter on exclusion of mining-affected communities
Open letter to the DMRE and the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy on their exclusion of communities as core stakeholders in engagements
Twickenham community marches for jobs and renewable energy
Sekhuhune Combined Mining Affected Communities and host communities to protest at Anglo American Platinum's Twickenham mine in Burgersfort on 13 May from 9:00
The Environmental Justice Fund is recruiting
The Environmental Justice Fund is recruiting! There are two exciting positions available – a full-time Coordinator and part-time Finance Associate
Final rounds of the 2022 PIL Moot Court Competition
On 28 and 29 April, CALS hosted the final rounds of the second Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition in partnership with the Student Litigation Society
Protesters head to high court over fees charged to protest in Johannesburg
CALS and the Right2Protest Project are assisting the Right2Know Campaign and the Gauteng Housing Crisis Committee in challenging fees charged for protests
High Court rules BProc graduates may be admitted as attorneys
CALS represents two BProc graduates who have been allowed to register their "articles" on the journey to becoming admitted attorneys
Constitutional Court finds police negligent in gang rape case
The Constitutional Court has made a historic finding, granting damages against the police for their failures in a case of kidnapping and rape
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini must pay for perjury
Former Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini was today sentenced following her perjury conviction last month
Judgment upholds rape survivors' rights to freedom of expression
Judges Henney and Thulare of the Western Cape High Court have handed down judgment overturning an order silencing a rape survivor
Announcing the top four PIL Moot teams
CALS and the Student Litigation Society announce the four teams through to the semi-finals of this year's Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition
CALS Quarterly Issue 16
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter for our most recent highlights and reflections
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini found guilty of perjury
CALS and the Black Sash Trust react to the finding that former Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini is guilty of perjury
Remembering Judge Ramarumo Monama
CALS Deputy Director Palesa Madi honours one of our founding staff members, Ramarumo Monama, at a ceremonial court sitting at the Johannesburg High Court
Rosettenville residents defend eviction that would leave them homeless
CALS represents residents from Rosettenville who will be left homeless if an eviction order is granted against them without alternative accommodation in place
Challenge to Legal Practice Act exclusion of BProc graduates
CALS represents two individuals seeking to challenge the bar against BProc graduates from being admitted as attorneys
Exclusion of foreign nationals from legal profession goes to Constitutional Court
Today, the Constitutional Court hears argument on section 24 of the Legal Practice Act which bars foreign nationals from admission as legal practitioners
Report launch: Unearthing the truth about mining in Sekhukhune
Today, CALS and our partners launch our latest research report into mines operating in Sekhukhune and the experiences of communities living in the area
Fair Finance South Africa launch and briefing
On Monday, 21 February 2022, a new civil society coalition called Fair Finance South Africa hosts a launch and briefing ahead of the Budget Speech
Constitutional Court to hear argument on SLAPP suits
CALS will be in the Constitutional Court on Thursday to argue that the law needs to be developed to respond to strategic litigation against public participation
Malawi court to hear argument on decriminalising sex between minors
CALS hopes to assist the High Court of Malawi sitting as the Constitutional Court in a matter that raises important issues around children's rights
Report launch: Unearthing the truth
CALS and our partners invite you to the launch of "Unearthing the truth: Have the mines failed the communities in the Sekhukhune region of South Africa?”
Announcing the top 16 PIL Moot teams
CALS and the Student Litigation Society announce the 16 teams through to the third round of this year's Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition
Raid on Cissie Gool House traumatises residents
Monday's raid was not only a waste of police resources but conducted in a manner that humiliated the community and resulted in unlawful arrests
Civil society responds to Zondo Commission report
The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture urges the Commission to ensure those who enabled state capture are held to account
Response to JICS findings on solitary confinement
Statement from the Detention Justice Forum in response to the findings of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Service on solitary confinement
City of Cape Town's involvement in the murder of Dumisani Joxo
We join the call for accountability following the killing of Dumisani Joxo by police in the City of Cape Town
Announcing the top 32 PIL Moot teams
CALS and the Student Litigation Society announce the 32 teams through to the second round of this year's Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition
Letter on refusal to extend Zimbabwean Exemption Permit
Civil society organisations write to Minister of Home Affairs about the decision to no longer issue extensions to Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders
CALS Quarterly Issue 15
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter, find out about our work and reflections from the last year
Op-ed: Same, same but different: reflections on binding treaty negotiations
An attorney in the Business and Human Rights programme at CALS reflects on the treaty negotiation process at the United Nations in Geneva this year
Op-ed: Universal social security is now a matter of urgency
Our Business & Human Rights team explains why government needs to implement a policy for either an income support grant or a basic income grant urgently
Con Court to hear argument on pensions and right to social security
CALS is appearing before the Constitutional Court in a matter that raises important questions about the right to social security and access to courts
Op-ed: Obstetric violence – A war waged in the shadows
Head of the Gender Justice programme, Sheena Swemmer, explains the importance of acknowledging a particular form of institutional gender-based violence
SACTJ Calls for Reform of National Preventive Mechanism
The South African Transitional Justice Coalition calls for changes to the National Preventive Mechanism in South Africa
Life without water in Ga-Sekhukhune leads to protest
Five communities in Limpopo who have been fighting for years for an adequate water supply are set to protest at the Union Buildings to petition the President
Expert legal opinion on COVID-19 TRIPS Waiver published
Prof Tshepo Madlingozi has signed an expert legal opinion which finds states have an obligation not to block the proposed COVID-19 TRIPS Waiver
Open letter to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Civil society organisations write to the Minister to denounce his response to the Climate Justice Coalition march, threatening litigation instead of engaging
Short course on law, policy and practice for mining-affected communities
CALS is partnering with Lawyers for Human Rights and the Mandela Institute to host our first community capacitation short course online this week
Civil society coalition rejects National Treasury scheme to terminate income support for adults
Organisations advocating for universal basic income register concern over Treasury's plan for grants in the run-up to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement
Statement by African Civil Society Organisations on Binding Treaty
CALS attorney Anesu Dera today addresses the chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the binding treaty on business and human rights
Op-ed: Appeal shows misuse of courts to enforce culture of silence
Head of the Gender Justice programme at CALS explains how legislation and courts intended to protect victims and survivors are used to silence them
Civil society statement on Tendele and Mam'Fikile Ntshangase
The Asina Loyiko Working Group has written to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and mining executives regarding Tendele mine and Mam'Fikile's death
Appeal against protection order silencing survivor of gender-based violence
CALS hopes to join an appeal against a judgment ordering that a rape survivor should not disclose that her former partner raped her "to anyone in any manner"
Op-ed: Judgment shows how problematic views around consent in rape cases persists
Head of the Gender Justice programme, Sheena Swemmer, takes us through legal definitions of rape and consent and their misapplication in a high court judgment
SACTJ calls for a national conference to develop a reparations policy
The South African Coalition for Transitional Justice calls for a reparations policy for those who have experienced gross human rights violations
Regional consultation on third draft treaty on business and human rights
CALS and our partners invite you to join a virtual consultation on the latest draft of the legally binding instrument on business and human rights on 12 October
Register for this year's Public Interest Law Gathering
Registration is open for the virtual Public Interest Law Gathering taking place on 13 and 14 October 2021
CALS Quarterly Issue 14
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter and find out about our work trying to promote equality and social change
Book launch: Mental Health, Legal Capacity and Human Rights
Join us for the virtual launch of "Mental Health, Legal Capacity and Human Rights" co-edited by CALS fellow Faraaz Mahomed
Supporting women in mining communities facing gender-based violence
CALS is partnering with Women Affected by Mining United in Action to host a series of workshops around the country on gender-based violence
#HimOrMe: Trial continues for mother of two accused of killing abuser
CALS recently appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court defending a woman accused of killing her abusive partner during an incident of domestic violence
Save the date for the Public Interest Law Gathering
This year's Public Interest Law Gathering will take place virtually on 13 and 14 October 2021
Complaint on Parliamentary interference in the Commission for Gender Equality
CALS has filed a complaint with the Speaker of the National Assembly on behalf of a commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini to be prosecuted for perjury
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini faces prosecution for perjury following statements to the Constitutional Court and before a section 38 inquiry
#HimOrMe: Trial set to begin for mother of two accused of killing abuser
CALS is set to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court to defend a woman accused of killing her abusive partner during an incident of domestic violence
Public Interest Litigation Threats: Cost Orders
Civil society organisations are hosting a workshop on 9 September on the threat of cost orders to public interest litigation
Reinstated SRD grant in need of more effective implementation
The Black Sash Trust welcomes the reinstated and extended special relief of distress grant but notes concerns about the grant amount and its implementation
Op-ed: Why civil unrest shows South Africa needs to implement a basic income grant
Abongile Nkamisa of CALS argues that recent civil unrest draws attention to the urgent need for universal basic income support
Civil Society calls on accountability for state capture criminals
The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture connects recent civil unrest to the legacy of state capture and corruption
Solidarity with democracy defenders in Eswatini
Over sixty civil society organisations write an open letter expressing concern over the current situation in Eswatini
CALS response to the current state of unrest
CALS expresses deep concern over the current unrest and calls for a response which includes immediate social relief and long-term change to address inequality
C19 People's Coalition statement on recent civil unrest
The Coalition responds to the recent civil unrest and the role of government in addressing the underlying issues of economic injustice
CALS Quarterly Issue 13
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter and find out about our work trying to ensure justice and accountability
Access to information victory for CALUSA
The Mthatha High Court recently ordered the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality to release documents related to its state of governance
Open letter on vaccinating mining-affected communities
Civil society sends open letter to the President, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and Minister of Health on the need to vaccinate mining communities
Rosettenville residents demand urgent reconnection of water
CALS represents residents from Rosettenville in Johannesburg whose water supply has been unlawfully disconnected by Johannesburg Water
Palesa Madi appointed Deputy Director at CALS
CALS is very pleased to announce that Ms Palesa Madi has officially been appointed as Deputy Director of our organisation
Statement on the situation in Palestine
Members of the Bertha Justice Network speak out about the current humanitarian crisis in Palestine
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini pays costs of social grants litigation
CALS, Black Sash and Freedom Under Law note that former Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini has paid the costs awarded against her personally
Challenge to secretive appointments process for financial regulator
CALS represents Open Secrets and the Unpaid Benefits Campaign in a challenge to the secretive process for making appointments to the FSCA
Mining community networks in court to challenge Mining Charter
CALS is in the Pretoria High Court this week for a review of the 2018 Mining Charter which we believe was developed without meaningfully engaging communities
Open letter against state capture and corruption
The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture publishes an open letter on state capture and corruption to mark Freedom Day 2021
Occupiers of Cissie Gool House reach settlement with City of Cape Town
CALS represents some of the 900 people facing eviction by the City of Cape Town and are working to ensure their rights are protected during this process
Open letter on special COVID-19 grant
Civil society calls on the President, Treasury and Department of Social Development to extend the special COVID-19 relief of distress grant
The final rounds of the PIL Moot Court Competition
On 15 and 16 April, CALS hosted the final rounds of this year's Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition in partnership with the Student Litigation Society
Celebrating ten years with our CALS mothers
This week CALS has the honour of celebrating our ten year anniversary with two pillars of our organisation, Duduzile Mlambo and Sibongile Ncube
CALS Quarterly Issue 12
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter and find out about our recent wins and losses around activist victimisation and more
Announcing the semi-finalists of the PIL Moot Court Competition
A huge congratulations to the four teams going into the semi-finals of this year's Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition
Use of deadly force against Wits student protesters
CALS and other member organisations of the Right2Protest Project condemn the extreme use of force which reportedly led to the killing of a bystander by police
Cissie Gool House: Case postponed
Following Friday's hearing, the matter concerning the mass eviction of over 900 people from Cissie Gool House has been postponed to 22 April 2021
Hearing of witness testimony on assisted dying set to begin
Next week, two individuals with terminal illnesses will begin testifying about why they want the right to die
Occupiers of Cissie Gool House face City of Cape Town in court
CALS represents around 900 people currently facing eviction from Cissie Gool House in Cape Town
Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini defies Constitutional Court
Ms Dlamini has so far avoided all efforts at recovering legal costs she was directed to pay by the Constitutional Court over two years ago
CALS condemns remarks by Minister Motshekga that "an educated man won't rape"
Though education is an important tool in addressing gender-based violence, asserting "educated" people don't rape is misleading and harmful
High Court rules 'SLAPP' suit by mining companies constitutes abuse of process
Deputy Judge President Goliath yesterday ruled that a defamation case brought against environmental activists is inconsistent with our constitutional values
Con Court to hear argument on police failures in gang rape case
CALS is set to present argument on secondary trauma and the duty of care that police have towards victims of crime, particularly sexual offences
Op-ed: Mask-less Premier should have been charged
Failure to wear a mask in public is an offence under the current regulations governing adjusted lockdown alert level three
Rosettenville residents defend eviction continuing during lockdown
CALS represents a group of residents from Rosettenville who will be left homeless if an eviction order is granted against them on Monday 1 February
Joint statement on extending special COVID-19 grants
Civil society organisations call for an extension of the COVID-19 special grants to assist people who are unemployed during the state of disaster
CALS to present evidence on assisted dying
The High Court today granted CALS leave to present evidence supporting the recognition of the right to die with dignity
Towards a People's Vaccine Call to Action
The C19 People's Coalition calls for a just response to COVID-19 including equitable access to an effective vaccine
CALS Quarterly Issue 11
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter and learn how we are supporting activists, challenging unfair decisions and more
Goldfields Community Forum challenges order silencing activists
CALS and R2P are in the Bloemfontein High Court on 26 November representing the Goldfields Community Forum challenging an interdict against protest
Webinar: Critical reflections on the social justice sector
Join us on 24 November from 14:00 for a webinar on the recent social justice sector review and a critical reflection of the sector in the post-apartheid era
Anti-corruption activist faces defamation case
CALS will be in the Makhanda High Court tomorrow defending activist Lungile Mxube who has been accused of defamation for speaking out against corruption
Civil society takes Mboweni to court
Today, the Gauteng High Court will hear an application to interdict the appointments process for the Financial Services Conduct Authority
Langaville community demands proper sanitation
Residents of the Langaville informal settlement have approached the High Court to compel their Municipality to provide the area with proper sanitation
Ending the Caregiver Grant leaves millions vulnerable
CALS and the Black Sash Trust remain deeply concerned about the millions affected by the decision to end the Caregiver Grant prematurely
Top-up grants for caregivers must continue
CALS is approaching the Pretoria High Court on behalf of the Black Sash Trust to challenge the decision to end top-up COVID-19 grants
Joint statement on the upcoming Binding Treaty negotiations
Civil society organisations send an open letter to the government of South Africa on their participation in the negotiation process at the UN in Geneva
Challenge to secretive appointments process for FSCA
Civil society organisations apply to court to prevent the appointments process for South Africa’s top financial sector regulator from proceeding in secret
Joint statement on the killing of activist Fikile Ntshangase
Civil society organisations speak out on the murder of Somkhele activist Fikile Ntshangase who promoted the land and environmental rights of her community
Joint civil society statement on the Clover strike
CALS joins a group of organisations supporting the demands of striking Clover workers and condemning the violence used against them
Call for justice for the murder of activist Fikile Ntshangase
CALS condemns the murder of environmental community activist Fikile Ntshangase and joins calls for justice
CALS and Right2Protest condemn attack on #EndSARS protesters
The Right2Protest Project hosted at CALS raises concerns over the brutal treatment of protesters in Nigeria calling for an end to police brutality
African organisations push for a legally binding treaty
Civil society organisations and affected communities host an interactive workshop on the second revised draft of the binding treaty on business and human rights
CALS to partner with Attorney General Alliance
This week CALS signed a memorandum of understanding with the African chapter of the Attorney General Alliance (AGA-Africa)
Extend and increase special grants to prevent a humanitarian crisis
Civil Society demands that the government provide support to the most vulnerable in this moment of crisis by extending and increasing SRD and caregivers grants
No merit to defamation case against anti-corruption activist
CALS represents Eastern Cape activist Lungile Mxube who will be appearing in court on Thursday for a defamation case we argue is meritless
An African Response to the Revised Draft Treaty on Business & Human Rights
On 6 October, CALS and ACCA will be hosting a webinar to formulate an African response to the current draft of the Binding Treaty on Business & Human Rights
CALS Quarterly Issue 10
Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter – featuring game-changing judgments, celebrations, our brand new moot court competition and more
Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition
CALS and the Student Litigation Society invite students of law at South African universities to participate in a Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition
COVID-19: Dirty water for sale in rural communities
Communities all over South Africa are faced with a water crisis resulting from systemic governance failures
Virtual book launch: 'A Better Future'
Join us for the virtual launch of "A Better Future: The Role of Higher Education for Displaced and Marginalised People" on 2 October 2020 from 15:30 SAST
Open letter to the CEO of Nature's Garden
Civil society organisations wish to express solidarity with workers at Nature's Garden
Game-changing judgment for Xolobeni community on mining rights applications
#HimOrMe: Trial set to start 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
CALS staff recognised in M&G 200 Young South Africans
CALS Acting Deputy Director, Palesa Madi, and Stanley Malematja from Right2Protest appear on this year's list of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans
Farewell to a giant of human rights George Bizos
CALS mourns the loss of a true giant of human rights lawyering, our friend and colleague George Bizos
Live animal export cannot continue without strict standards in place
One week after the High Court ruled sheep may only be exported live by sea under strict welfare standards, they are already being loaded onto a waiting ship
Joint Statement Concerning the Ruling Against Lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa
Many voice concern over the judgment against Beatrice Mtetwa which undermines the right to freedom of expression and rights of the accused and detained
Social justice organisations welcome new lockdown regulations on evictions
New regulations governing lockdown alert level two offer greater protections against evictions and demolitions
Legal intern vacancy at MACUA-WAMUA
The MACUA-WAMUA Advice Office is seeking to appoint a legal intern to support local social audits in mining affected communities around the country
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
We send our warmest congratulations to the head of our Environmental Justice programme on the completion of 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
Join the Wits School of Law on 4 September 2019 for a symposium in honour of CALS alum 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
Join us for a side event at the UN in Geneva on 19 October 2018 discussing African perspectives on the binding treaty on business and human rights
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
Join us for this year's Public Interest Law Gathering hosted at Wits University from 4 – 5 September 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
CALS condemns Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba's recent comments about "so-called" human rights lawyers
Event: Holding Apartheid's Banks to Account
CALS and Open Secrets invite you to a discussion on accountability for apartheid era economic crimes
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
The Constitutional Court yesterday handed down judgment in the latest application to extend an unlawful contract to pay social grants
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
CALS will represent the Teddy Bear Foundation at the Constitutional Court on 14 November 2017 to argue there should be no prescription for sexual offences
IMC urged to fast-track SASSA, SAPO deal
CALS and the Black Sash Trust are monitoring developments in the social grant payments system
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
The Inquiry into Minister Bathabile Dlamini's involvement in the social grants crisis is set to begin on 22 January 2018
Dereliction of duties: how the constitutional right of access to information is being undermined
The Access to Information Network releases its annual shadow report
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
Client communities from five Limpopo villages are calling for officials to face jail time for failing to comply with a court order to provide water
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.