Democracy & Constitutionalism: Civic Education Conference Report & Keywords
Today, SECTION27 and the Centre for the Advancement of the South African Constitution release a report titled Democracy & Constitutionalism: Civic Education Conference Report & Keywords. The report highlights the outcomes of the civic education conference, where youth leaders, civil society groups, and social movements from South Africa and beyond gathered to discuss constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democracy. The participants highlighted the importance of focusing on specific areas to drive South Africa’s developmental democracy forward, while also gaining valuable insights from diverse perspectives. Additionally, it aimed to ignite grassroots activism and foster civic education on democracy and constitutionalism.
Celebrating 30 Years of Social Justice: SECTION27 turns 30
SECTION27, incorporating the AIDS Law Project, was established in 1993, making 2023 its 30th anniversary. November marks the start of a month-long campaign by SECTION27 to celebrate its 30 years of work for social justice and human rights. The AIDS Law Project used the law to address the human rights implications of HIV/AIDS, which included fighting HIV discrimination.
SECTION27 argues for culpable homicide charges for Life Esidimeni deaths
On October 26, 2023, the Life Esidimeni Inquest resumes, with SECTION27 advocating for culpable homicide charges against Qedani Mahlangu, Makgabo Manamela, and Ethel Ncube for their roles in the tragic deaths of 141 mental health care users in 2016. The judge will determine the cause of these deaths and decide if any individual’s actions contributed to them. Prosecution decisions will follow the court’s findings.
SECTION27 Board appoints Sasha Stevenson as new Executive Director
Sasha Stevenson takes the helm as the new Executive Director of SECTION27. With over a decade of experience as a human rights lawyer, Sasha’s dedication and expertise will steer the organisation towards achieving substantive equality and social justice in South Africa.
Free access to health care for pregnant women
In April 2023, the Gauteng High Court upheld the right of all pregnant and lactating women, and children under 6, irrespective of nationality and documentation status, to access free health services at all public health establishments, including hospitals. This ruling followed an application brought by SECTION27 alongside women who had been denied access to such services. The application was supported by various amici curiae. The ruling reaffirms the rights set out in the Constitution, the National Health Act, and the Refugees Act.
Crossing the road – Storybook
SECTION27 and Blind SA, in partnership with Nal’ iBali have launched a storybook, Crossing the road, to highlight how barriers to accessible reading formats violate the rights of blind and visually impaired persons. The book is available in all 11 languages.
The Michael Komape Sanitation Progress Monitor
SECTION27, in partnership with the Centre for Child Law, launched an online tool, The Michael Komape Sanitation Progress Monitor, to track progress made by the Limpopo Department of Education to eliminate unsafe and undignified sanitation at public schools throughout the Limpopo province and install safe and decent sanitation facilities.
#ENDTHEBOOKFAMINE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
The Constitutional Court will preside over a case to confirm whether a High Court order from September 2021, where the court ordered that the Copyright Act of 1978 is unconstitutional for the barriers it imposes on blind or visually impaired persons who want to convert books into accessible formats like Braille. Read more.
Covid-19 Vaccine Literacy
Advocacy and training materials designed to combat myths, misinformation and fear about Covid-19 and vaccines, based on latest scientifically accurate information.
School Safety Guiding Principles
This document outlines the measures schools need to take to make sure learners, teachers and school communities are safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Animations
Our Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Handbook and Guide for Reporting Sexual Violence are now available as youth friendly animations.
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SECTION27 is a public interest law centre that seeks to achieve substantive equality and social justice in South Africa. Guided by the principles of the Constitution, SECTION27 uses law, advocacy, legal literacy, research and community mobilisation to achieve access to healthcare services and basic education. SECTION27 aims to achieve structural change and accountability to ensure the dignity and equality of everyone.