Centre for Applied Legal Studies
@calsza.bsky.social
A centre of the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law and the first human rights organisation in South Africa. CALS has been reshaping justice since 1978
Pinned
Catch up on recent CALS highlights in the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter: payg.rocketseed.net/public/messa...
Or sign up for future editions here: www.wits.ac.za/cals/cals-qu...
Or sign up for future editions here: www.wits.ac.za/cals/cals-qu...
CALS will be in the Constitutional Court next Tuesday for a case with important implications for the right to water and the functioning of the South African Human Rights Commission
We are represented in the matter by in-house counsel Jatheen Bhima
Find out more: www.wits.ac.za/news/sources...
We are represented in the matter by in-house counsel Jatheen Bhima
Find out more: www.wits.ac.za/news/sources...
November 20, 2025 at 12:21 PM
CALS will be in the Constitutional Court next Tuesday for a case with important implications for the right to water and the functioning of the South African Human Rights Commission
We are represented in the matter by in-house counsel Jatheen Bhima
Find out more: www.wits.ac.za/news/sources...
We are represented in the matter by in-house counsel Jatheen Bhima
Find out more: www.wits.ac.za/news/sources...
Our Busisiwe Kamolane-Kgadima is representing CALS at the #G20 Social Summit this week. We are focusing on the themes:
1. Inclusive climate justice, a just transition and energy democracy; and
2. Building momentum for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063
1. Inclusive climate justice, a just transition and energy democracy; and
2. Building momentum for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063
November 19, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Our Busisiwe Kamolane-Kgadima is representing CALS at the #G20 Social Summit this week. We are focusing on the themes:
1. Inclusive climate justice, a just transition and energy democracy; and
2. Building momentum for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063
1. Inclusive climate justice, a just transition and energy democracy; and
2. Building momentum for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063
In case you missed it: Our Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe discuss a case heard in the High Court in Mthatha earlier this week on the right to water
November 19, 2025 at 1:31 PM
In case you missed it: Our Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe discuss a case heard in the High Court in Mthatha earlier this week on the right to water
Our final webinar for this year's #AntiRepressionWeek will see the Right2Protest Project unpacking some of its recent work on the criminalisation of social movements
📅 20 November
🕛 12:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8062e3...
📅 20 November
🕛 12:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8062e3...
November 19, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Our final webinar for this year's #AntiRepressionWeek will see the Right2Protest Project unpacking some of its recent work on the criminalisation of social movements
📅 20 November
🕛 12:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8062e3...
📅 20 November
🕛 12:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8062e3...
CALS is in the High Court in Mthatha today seeking to compel the Amathole District Municipality to provide safe and sufficient water to communities in the Toboyi area
Our Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe share their thoughts on the case
Our Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe share their thoughts on the case
Before sunrise in the villages of Toboyi-Komkhulu, Merelis and Kunene in the Eastern Cape, women and girls head for a long walk – through hills and valleys, carrying buckets on their heads or in their hands.
Read groundup.org.za/article/were... by Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe
Read groundup.org.za/article/were... by Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe
We’re taking government to court for failing to provide clean water
Eastern Cape municipalities fail to realise Section 27 of the Constitution
groundup.org.za
November 18, 2025 at 7:47 AM
CALS is in the High Court in Mthatha today seeking to compel the Amathole District Municipality to provide safe and sufficient water to communities in the Toboyi area
Our Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe share their thoughts on the case
Our Blossom Matizirofa and Thuto Gabaphethe share their thoughts on the case
Next week, our Sithuthukile Mkhize and Omhle Ntshingila join our partners for #DissentOnTrial – a discussion on strategies for countering criminalisation
📅 27 November
🕑 14:00 SAST
Attend online: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-Online
Or in-person: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-InPerson
📅 27 November
🕑 14:00 SAST
Attend online: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-Online
Or in-person: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-InPerson
November 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Next week, our Sithuthukile Mkhize and Omhle Ntshingila join our partners for #DissentOnTrial – a discussion on strategies for countering criminalisation
📅 27 November
🕑 14:00 SAST
Attend online: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-Online
Or in-person: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-InPerson
📅 27 November
🕑 14:00 SAST
Attend online: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-Online
Or in-person: bit.ly/DissentOnTrial-InPerson
We continue the conversation this #AntiRepressionWeek with a Wednesday webinar on misinformation and digital security with speakers from Digital Society Africa, Power Law Africa and Moxxi Africa
📅 17 November
🕑 14:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/abc3a4...
📅 17 November
🕑 14:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/abc3a4...
November 17, 2025 at 9:42 AM
We continue the conversation this #AntiRepressionWeek with a Wednesday webinar on misinformation and digital security with speakers from Digital Society Africa, Power Law Africa and Moxxi Africa
📅 17 November
🕑 14:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/abc3a4...
📅 17 November
🕑 14:00
📍 MS Teams
🔗 Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/abc3a4...
Join CALS and @right2protestafrka.bsky.social for our first #AntiRepressionWeek webinar next Monday on Corporate Repression
We will be joined by speakers from @opensecrets.org.za,
@rightsindevt.bsky.social and @business-humanrights.org
Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8d21eb...
We will be joined by speakers from @opensecrets.org.za,
@rightsindevt.bsky.social and @business-humanrights.org
Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8d21eb...
November 13, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Join CALS and @right2protestafrka.bsky.social for our first #AntiRepressionWeek webinar next Monday on Corporate Repression
We will be joined by speakers from @opensecrets.org.za,
@rightsindevt.bsky.social and @business-humanrights.org
Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8d21eb...
We will be joined by speakers from @opensecrets.org.za,
@rightsindevt.bsky.social and @business-humanrights.org
Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8d21eb...
Next week, CALS and @right2protestafrka.bsky.social host the third annual #AntiRepressionWeek, showcasing work resisting repression
From Monday to Thursday, we are hosting webinars on corporate repression, misinformation and digital rights, and the criminalisation of social movements
From Monday to Thursday, we are hosting webinars on corporate repression, misinformation and digital rights, and the criminalisation of social movements
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Next week, CALS and @right2protestafrka.bsky.social host the third annual #AntiRepressionWeek, showcasing work resisting repression
From Monday to Thursday, we are hosting webinars on corporate repression, misinformation and digital rights, and the criminalisation of social movements
From Monday to Thursday, we are hosting webinars on corporate repression, misinformation and digital rights, and the criminalisation of social movements
Next week, CALS will be in the Eastern Cape High Court representing residents from three villages in Toboyi.
They are seeking to compel the Amathole District Municipality to provide them with safe and sufficient water.
Find out more and read our papers: wits.ac.za/news/sources...
They are seeking to compel the Amathole District Municipality to provide them with safe and sufficient water.
Find out more and read our papers: wits.ac.za/news/sources...
November 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Next week, CALS will be in the Eastern Cape High Court representing residents from three villages in Toboyi.
They are seeking to compel the Amathole District Municipality to provide them with safe and sufficient water.
Find out more and read our papers: wits.ac.za/news/sources...
They are seeking to compel the Amathole District Municipality to provide them with safe and sufficient water.
Find out more and read our papers: wits.ac.za/news/sources...
📢 Calling all law students!
Registration is now open for the next Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition! #PILMOOT
📅 Hypothetical case and information pack releases: 17 November 2025
📋 Register your team: forms.gle/wMHca2gxE7dm...
🔗 Find out more: www.mootcourt.co.za/moot/
Registration is now open for the next Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition! #PILMOOT
📅 Hypothetical case and information pack releases: 17 November 2025
📋 Register your team: forms.gle/wMHca2gxE7dm...
🔗 Find out more: www.mootcourt.co.za/moot/
November 11, 2025 at 7:51 AM
📢 Calling all law students!
Registration is now open for the next Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition! #PILMOOT
📅 Hypothetical case and information pack releases: 17 November 2025
📋 Register your team: forms.gle/wMHca2gxE7dm...
🔗 Find out more: www.mootcourt.co.za/moot/
Registration is now open for the next Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition! #PILMOOT
📅 Hypothetical case and information pack releases: 17 November 2025
📋 Register your team: forms.gle/wMHca2gxE7dm...
🔗 Find out more: www.mootcourt.co.za/moot/
Reposted by Centre for Applied Legal Studies
Press Statement | Lawyers for Human Rights Welcomes Landmark Judgment Interdicting Operation Dudula
The court affirmed that no one is above the law - a reminder that "isidima", our shared human dignity, knows no borders.
Read the Judgement here: www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/pre...
The court affirmed that no one is above the law - a reminder that "isidima", our shared human dignity, knows no borders.
Read the Judgement here: www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/pre...
November 5, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Press Statement | Lawyers for Human Rights Welcomes Landmark Judgment Interdicting Operation Dudula
The court affirmed that no one is above the law - a reminder that "isidima", our shared human dignity, knows no borders.
Read the Judgement here: www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/pre...
The court affirmed that no one is above the law - a reminder that "isidima", our shared human dignity, knows no borders.
Read the Judgement here: www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/pre...
Our Anesu Dera reflects on the important role African states and civil society play in ensuring we have an effective #BindingTreaty that can hold corporations accountable
www.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
www.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
ANESU DERA: Holding the line on corporate accountability
Why Africa must keep the UN binding treaty alive
www.businessday.co.za
October 29, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Our Anesu Dera reflects on the important role African states and civil society play in ensuring we have an effective #BindingTreaty that can hold corporations accountable
www.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
www.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
Catch our Sheena Swemmer discussing consent in the higher education context at a webinar this Thursday presented by the Wits Division of Clinical Associates
📅 30 October 2025
🕕 18:00 – 19:30
📍 MS Teams
Find out more and register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a3faa1...
📅 30 October 2025
🕕 18:00 – 19:30
📍 MS Teams
Find out more and register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a3faa1...
October 28, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Catch our Sheena Swemmer discussing consent in the higher education context at a webinar this Thursday presented by the Wits Division of Clinical Associates
📅 30 October 2025
🕕 18:00 – 19:30
📍 MS Teams
Find out more and register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a3faa1...
📅 30 October 2025
🕕 18:00 – 19:30
📍 MS Teams
Find out more and register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a3faa1...
It's Day 2 of this year's Public Interest Law Gathering #PILG2025
Today's programme includes panels on corruption, the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, refugee rights, early childhood development and the limits of legal remedies
Today's programme includes panels on corruption, the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, refugee rights, early childhood development and the limits of legal remedies
October 23, 2025 at 7:58 AM
It's Day 2 of this year's Public Interest Law Gathering #PILG2025
Today's programme includes panels on corruption, the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, refugee rights, early childhood development and the limits of legal remedies
Today's programme includes panels on corruption, the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, refugee rights, early childhood development and the limits of legal remedies
Reposted by Centre for Applied Legal Studies
📣✊🏿 Yesterday, LHR joined CALS, AIDC, Womens Assembly, People’s Dialogue Zambia & Fastenaktion at the 11th #BindingTreaty session.
We explored the need for a legally binding treaty amid the global rush for critical minerals.
Thank you to our panelists for a powerful discussion✊🏿
We explored the need for a legally binding treaty amid the global rush for critical minerals.
Thank you to our panelists for a powerful discussion✊🏿
October 23, 2025 at 4:26 AM
📣✊🏿 Yesterday, LHR joined CALS, AIDC, Womens Assembly, People’s Dialogue Zambia & Fastenaktion at the 11th #BindingTreaty session.
We explored the need for a legally binding treaty amid the global rush for critical minerals.
Thank you to our panelists for a powerful discussion✊🏿
We explored the need for a legally binding treaty amid the global rush for critical minerals.
Thank you to our panelists for a powerful discussion✊🏿
Our Sheena Swemmer will be speaking on the panel “Freedom for all? Building a diverse and inclusive democracy” hosted by Animal Law Reform
📅22 October 2025
🕓16:00 – 17:30
📍Wits University
Catch up at #PILG2025
📅22 October 2025
🕓16:00 – 17:30
📍Wits University
Catch up at #PILG2025
October 22, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Our Sheena Swemmer will be speaking on the panel “Freedom for all? Building a diverse and inclusive democracy” hosted by Animal Law Reform
📅22 October 2025
🕓16:00 – 17:30
📍Wits University
Catch up at #PILG2025
📅22 October 2025
🕓16:00 – 17:30
📍Wits University
Catch up at #PILG2025
CALS will be hosting a panel on land reform and labour tenant protections today at this year's Public Interest Law Gathering
📅22 October 2025
🕑14:00 – 15:30
📍Wits University
Follow along at #PILG2025
📅22 October 2025
🕑14:00 – 15:30
📍Wits University
Follow along at #PILG2025
October 22, 2025 at 8:43 AM
CALS will be hosting a panel on land reform and labour tenant protections today at this year's Public Interest Law Gathering
📅22 October 2025
🕑14:00 – 15:30
📍Wits University
Follow along at #PILG2025
📅22 October 2025
🕑14:00 – 15:30
📍Wits University
Follow along at #PILG2025
Reposted by Centre for Applied Legal Studies
🌍 Proud moment for LHR! 🌍
Our colleague Jessica Lawrence is in Geneva for the 11th UN #BindingTreaty negotiations, alongside @calsza.bsky.social, AIDC, @fidh-bhr.bsky.social , with support from Fastenaktion.
Follow us for daily updates & highlights:
🔗 lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
Our colleague Jessica Lawrence is in Geneva for the 11th UN #BindingTreaty negotiations, alongside @calsza.bsky.social, AIDC, @fidh-bhr.bsky.social , with support from Fastenaktion.
Follow us for daily updates & highlights:
🔗 lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
October 21, 2025 at 7:38 PM
🌍 Proud moment for LHR! 🌍
Our colleague Jessica Lawrence is in Geneva for the 11th UN #BindingTreaty negotiations, alongside @calsza.bsky.social, AIDC, @fidh-bhr.bsky.social , with support from Fastenaktion.
Follow us for daily updates & highlights:
🔗 lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
Our colleague Jessica Lawrence is in Geneva for the 11th UN #BindingTreaty negotiations, alongside @calsza.bsky.social, AIDC, @fidh-bhr.bsky.social , with support from Fastenaktion.
Follow us for daily updates & highlights:
🔗 lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
Reposted by Centre for Applied Legal Studies
📍The 11th UN #BindingTreaty session on Business & Human Rights is underway in Geneva.
We’ll be sharing key takeaways and daily highlights from state & civil society discussions all week.
📩 Stay updated: lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
@calsza.bsky.social @fidh-bhr.bsky.social
#UNbindingTreaty #humanrights
We’ll be sharing key takeaways and daily highlights from state & civil society discussions all week.
📩 Stay updated: lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
@calsza.bsky.social @fidh-bhr.bsky.social
#UNbindingTreaty #humanrights
October 21, 2025 at 7:03 PM
📍The 11th UN #BindingTreaty session on Business & Human Rights is underway in Geneva.
We’ll be sharing key takeaways and daily highlights from state & civil society discussions all week.
📩 Stay updated: lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
@calsza.bsky.social @fidh-bhr.bsky.social
#UNbindingTreaty #humanrights
We’ll be sharing key takeaways and daily highlights from state & civil society discussions all week.
📩 Stay updated: lnkd.in/eW2_Assp
@calsza.bsky.social @fidh-bhr.bsky.social
#UNbindingTreaty #humanrights
It's Day 1 of this year's Public Interest Law Gathering #PILG2025
Today's programme includes panels on themes from countering dangerous narratives to statelessness, disability rights, basic services, social security and animal law
CALS is hosting a panel on land reform later this afternoon
Today's programme includes panels on themes from countering dangerous narratives to statelessness, disability rights, basic services, social security and animal law
CALS is hosting a panel on land reform later this afternoon
October 22, 2025 at 8:41 AM
It's Day 1 of this year's Public Interest Law Gathering #PILG2025
Today's programme includes panels on themes from countering dangerous narratives to statelessness, disability rights, basic services, social security and animal law
CALS is hosting a panel on land reform later this afternoon
Today's programme includes panels on themes from countering dangerous narratives to statelessness, disability rights, basic services, social security and animal law
CALS is hosting a panel on land reform later this afternoon
This week, Anesu Dera will be representing CALS at the United Nations in Geneva for the latest round of negotiations on the #UNBindingTreaty on business and human rights
But, what is the #BindingTreaty? A short thread 🧵
But, what is the #BindingTreaty? A short thread 🧵
October 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM
This week, Anesu Dera will be representing CALS at the United Nations in Geneva for the latest round of negotiations on the #UNBindingTreaty on business and human rights
But, what is the #BindingTreaty? A short thread 🧵
But, what is the #BindingTreaty? A short thread 🧵
Reposted by Centre for Applied Legal Studies
📢 Lawyers for Human Rights is in Geneva for the 11th UN Binding Treaty talks on Business & Human Rights!
Together with @calsza.bsky.social & AIDC, we’re sharing insights and community voices from the negotiations.
Follow for updates & our Daily Briefs with BHRRC 🌍✍🏽
#UNBindingTreaty #humanrights
Together with @calsza.bsky.social & AIDC, we’re sharing insights and community voices from the negotiations.
Follow for updates & our Daily Briefs with BHRRC 🌍✍🏽
#UNBindingTreaty #humanrights
October 19, 2025 at 7:16 PM
📢 Lawyers for Human Rights is in Geneva for the 11th UN Binding Treaty talks on Business & Human Rights!
Together with @calsza.bsky.social & AIDC, we’re sharing insights and community voices from the negotiations.
Follow for updates & our Daily Briefs with BHRRC 🌍✍🏽
#UNBindingTreaty #humanrights
Together with @calsza.bsky.social & AIDC, we’re sharing insights and community voices from the negotiations.
Follow for updates & our Daily Briefs with BHRRC 🌍✍🏽
#UNBindingTreaty #humanrights
Our Dr Sheena Swemmer is the recipient of the Social Justice Champion of the Year Award!
We send our warmest congratulations to Sheena on this well-deserved recognition of her work combating gender-based violence and discrimination
We send our warmest congratulations to Sheena on this well-deserved recognition of her work combating gender-based violence and discrimination
October 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Our Dr Sheena Swemmer is the recipient of the Social Justice Champion of the Year Award!
We send our warmest congratulations to Sheena on this well-deserved recognition of her work combating gender-based violence and discrimination
We send our warmest congratulations to Sheena on this well-deserved recognition of her work combating gender-based violence and discrimination
CALS and @right2protestafrka.bsky.social recently made submissions to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders @marylawlorhrds.bsky.social
We discuss our work countering #SLAPP suits and the need for South Africa to develop anti-SLAPP laws
www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-u...
We discuss our work countering #SLAPP suits and the need for South Africa to develop anti-SLAPP laws
www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-u...
October 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM
CALS and @right2protestafrka.bsky.social recently made submissions to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders @marylawlorhrds.bsky.social
We discuss our work countering #SLAPP suits and the need for South Africa to develop anti-SLAPP laws
www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-u...
We discuss our work countering #SLAPP suits and the need for South Africa to develop anti-SLAPP laws
www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-u...