Human Rights

Lessons from the student protests of the 1980s

Activist Mandy Sanger, who was part of student-led opposition to apartheid through the Committee of 81 in Cape Town, delivered the annual Ashley Kriel memorial lecture sponsored by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and the University of the Western Cape last night. Here is a brief extract from her speech.

Mandy Sanger

Opinion | 23 October 2015

Lawyers in black and white: Spoor vs Boqwana

The recent furore over the lawyers in the huge silicosis court case focused on race, but the real issue is how lawyers advance the cause of justice, argue Pasika Nontshiza and John Clarke.

Pasika Nontshiza and John GI Clarke

Opinion | 23 October 2015

Silicosis case: mines are being obstructive, say miners’ lawyers

If the court did not decide in favour of the gold miners in the silicosis case, hundreds of thousands of sick miners and their families would not be heard, advocates for the mineworkers told the Gauteng High Court yesterday.

Pete Lewis

News | 23 October 2015

Statement in solidarity with South African student protesters

Over 800 students and student groups from 200 international institutions have signed a statement of support for the #FeesMustFall protesters.

Over 800 signatories

Opinion | 23 October 2015

Silicosis: Anglo American plays the race card

Attempts by lawyers for mining giant Anglo American to play the race card in the silicosis case were rebuffed by the South Gauteng High Court yesterday.

Pete Lewis

News | 22 October 2015

Why #ThePriceOfBreadMustFall matters

Amidst the #FeesMustFall protests, a second #MustFall has emerged and has largely fallen under the radar: #ThePriceOfBreadMustFall. On Tuesday, a group of activists occupied the Shoprite in Khayelitsha Mall demanding lower food prices generally, and bread prices in particular.

Jane Battersby-Lennard

Analysis | 22 October 2015

Silicosis: Anglo American joins the fray

Lawyers for gold mining companies ERPM, DRD and Anglo American added their voices on Tuesday to those of their colleagues fighting the silicosis action in the South Gauteng High Court.

Pete Lewis

News | 21 October 2015

Mines not liable for TB, silicosis hearing told

Mines cannot be held liable for TB, advocates for the gold mines told the South Gauteng High Court yesterday.

Pete Lewis

News | 20 October 2015

Masiphumelele residents march for peace

Over 500 residents marched and sang through the streets of Masiphumelele on Sunday in a march for peace organised by the Masiphumelele Youth Development Forum (MYDF). The march comes after weeks of violence, including murders and rapes, incidents of mob justice, a march for more policing that turned violent, and after residents held a prayer service on Thursday for a better community.

Thembela Ntongana

News | 20 October 2015