SECTION27 represented the Treatment Action Campaign and Sonke Gender Justice in the 2015 silicosis class action case, resulting in another landmark ruling.
A class action against 32 gold mining companies was filed by 17,000 to 500,000 gold mine workers and their dependents.
The applicants sought compensation for contracting silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) due to exposure to silica dust. The applicants also included widows of mine workers who succumbed to silicosis and TB.
SECTION27 HR assistant, Lillian Mwaungulu speaks about the case from her perspective.
#30yearsin30days #30yearsofsocialjustice.
“The Price of Gold” by Thom Pierce exposes the tragic reality of silicosis among South African gold miners.
Commissioned by SECTION27 & TAC, Pierce’s poignant project captures the faces and stories of those affected.
‘Sekhobe Letsi is 72 years old and lives on the outskirts of Maseru, Lesotho. He contracted silicosis while working at the mines, he has received no compensation.
Religious freedom in South African public schools took centre stage in 2017 following the landmark case involving the Orginisasie vir Godsdientse-Onderrig en Demokrasie (OGOD) versus Laerskool Randhart and others.
The court found it unconstitutional to promote one religion over another. SECTION27 represented the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution as amicus curiae, addressing the topics of religious coercion and the role of school governing bodies in protecting the community.
#TextBooksMatter #30yearsofsocialjustice
Day 10: #30Yearsin30Days
SECTION27’S Solanga Milambo reflects on the impact of our sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) work over the years. The work was initiated because of the high prevalence of teenage pregnancy and sexual violence in schools.
SECTION27 filed protection orders against teachers who were found guilty of sexually violating or impregnating learners. Following that, we began conducting workshops in schools to learners about reporting sexual violence and accessing SRH services.
PART TWO | Reflecting on our journey, Solanga Milambo highlights SECTION27’s impact in championing sexual and reproductive health rights. Addressing teen pregnancy and sexual violence in schools, we took legal action and initiated workshops to empower learners.
Over the past three decades, SECTION27 has attracted scores of passionate professionals to serve in various roles and capacities.
Executive Secretary, Sibongile Mtshelu, has been with SECTION27 for five years and attributes the family-like culture to the selfless individuals who tirelessly advocate for social change.
Look out for part 2 of what happens ‘Behind the Scenes’ at SECTION27.
#30yearsofsocialjustice
Day 12: #30Yearsin30Days
Join us in celebrating our 30th anniversary with this fun word puzzle challenge!
Find and share words that best describe SECTION27.
Let the puzzle fun begin.
#30yearsofsocialjustice
RIGHT CLICK ON IMAGE TO SAVE
SECTION27’S Solanga Milambo reflects on the impact of our sexual and reproductive health rights work over the years. The work was initiated because of the high prevalence of teenage pregnancy and sexual violence in schools.
SECTION27 filed protection orders against teachers who were found guilty of sexually violating or impregnating learners. Following that, we began conducting workshops in schools to learners about reporting sexual violence and accessing SRHR services.
SECTION27 marked a pivotal moment in maternal & child health care in October this year.
The minister of Health and others reported on their compliance with a court order for free health care services for all pregnant and lactating women and children under six.
#30YearsofSocialJustice, SECTION27 applauds steps taken and urges continued commitment.
Follow the story here:
#30YearsofSocialJustice
Day 14: #30Yearsin30Days
Dudley Lee’s story is not uncommon. He was an awaiting trial prisoner in Pollsmoor for four years before he was acquitted.
During this time, he contracted tuberculosis (TB), which is rampant in the country’s overcrowded prisons. Lee took legal action and successfully sued the Minister of Correctional Services. The case revolved around health rights and conditions of detention centres and upholding human dignity.
TAC, Wits Justice Project, and the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, represented by SECTION27, used Lee’s case to advocate for better prison conditions and a lower occurrence of TB, 30 years later they are still part of that fight.
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