A LETTER BY THE WOMEN OF SECTION27
9 AUGUST 2016 - Women’s Day 2016 calls for reflection, for quiet reflection amid the noise of our healthy and boisterous democracy. This Women’s Day we need to pay tribute…
#BOPHELOHOUSE94 BACK IN COURT TO APPEAL CONVICTIONS
BLOEMFONTEIN, 8th AUGUST 2016: Today the #BopheloHouse94 are appearing in Bloemfontein High Court. The community healthcare workers (CHWs) are appealing their conviction in October 2015 in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. A…
Zuma breached constitutional obligations
You can read the full Nkandla judgment here. Chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng delivered his judgment in the Nkandla case in the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on Thursday morning. The Chief Justice…
Defending our Constitution
Several hundred South Africans gathered at the Constitutional Court on Friday 7 August to form a human chain, symbolising the people of South Africa protecting Chapter 9 institutions, which act…
The role of civil society in human rights awareness
Civil society and its role in constitutional education was at the forefront of the first ever National Colloquium on Constitutional Awareness and Human Rights Education, held in Pretoria last week. Mluleki…
Frontline Free State
First appeared on the Daily Maverick by Mark Heywood, Director of SECTION27 Today, 10 July, marks one year since the Bophelo House 94 were arrested for participating in an ‘illegal demonstration’.…
Remembering Michael Komape
SECTION27 and Basic Education For All (BEFA) commemorated the first anniversary of the death of Michael Komape on Tuesday 20 January 2015. Michael, a Grade R pupil, drowned in a pit…
The Protection of Information Bill is unconstitutional and anti-democratic
Joint SECTION27/TAC statement
Transparent governance, free expression and a free press are essential components of democracy. They are the means by which all people in South Africa, especially the vulnerable and poor, can hold our government to account. Our effectiveness at getting the state to implement HIV treatment and prevention programmes has been dependent on the Constitution being upheld, especially the Bill of Rights.
The Right to an ‘adequate’ and ‘equal’ education in South Africa
An analysis of s. 29(1)(a) of the South African Constitution and the right to equality as applied to basic education.
SECTION27 are pleased to publish a draft research paper on “The Right to an ‘adequate’ and ‘equal’ education in South Africa: An analysis of s. 29(1)(a) of the South African Constitution and the right to equality as applied to basic education” by respected Canadian constitutional lawyer, Vince Calderhead. We would welcome comments and inputs on the paper.
Minister of Human Settlements misunderstands the Constitution and social justice struggles
Over the past year, the Minister of Human Settlements, Tokyo Sexwale, has been praised for his energy in tackling the housing crisis. He recently signed service delivery agreements with his nine MECS for Outcome 8 of the presidential outcomes – sustainable human settlements and improved quality of household life – and he has been very vocal on what actions will accompany these agreements, as well as the challenges faced by his department. However, some of the Minister’s recent statements (see below) point to a lack of understanding of the reasons for the emergence and existence of informal settlements and illegally occupied inner city buildings. Further, his statements about the legal framework and recent court cases show a disregard for the role of the courts in enforcing the obligations imposed by the Constitution on the state, and in advancing struggles for fundamental rights in a constitutional democracy.
A Week into the Public Sector Strike
A week into the public sector strike the Treatment Action Campaign and SECTION27 regret that no agreement has been reached between striking public service workers and the government. We support the demands of workers and their right to strike. But we regret the growing polarisation, pain and loss of life. This is now a political crisis that requires political leadership and a solution.
Promotional video clip of A Country For My Daughter
In A Country For My Daughter Nonkosi Khumalo travels around the country investigating the stories of brave women whose court cases have transformed the law in South Africa for the better. The cases range from rape within a family to holding the Minister of Safety and Security liable, in cases where police were involved in violence against women. Through these stories, Nonkosi learns of the laws available to protect South African women and how they can be used.