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
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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...
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...
CALS is proud to announce that our Dr Sheena Swemmer is a finalist for this year's Social Justice Champion Award presented by the Centre for Social Justice and Prof Thuli Madonsela
Sheena heads our Gender Justice programme and has a deep commitment to promoting the right to equality
Sheena heads our Gender Justice programme and has a deep commitment to promoting the right to equality
October 14, 2025 at 12:46 PM
CALS is proud to announce that our Dr Sheena Swemmer is a finalist for this year's Social Justice Champion Award presented by the Centre for Social Justice and Prof Thuli Madonsela
Sheena heads our Gender Justice programme and has a deep commitment to promoting the right to equality
Sheena heads our Gender Justice programme and has a deep commitment to promoting the right to equality
Reposted by Centre for Applied Legal Studies
🚰 Johannesburg’s water crisis has become a political flashpoint. Veteran politician Helen Zille made 6 claims about Joburg & Cape Town’s water infrastructure.
We fact-checked them:
✅ 2 correct
❌ 4 incorrect
🔎 Read more: africacheck.info/zille_water
We fact-checked them:
✅ 2 correct
❌ 4 incorrect
🔎 Read more: africacheck.info/zille_water
Fact-checking Helen Zille’s claims about Johannesburg’s water crisis
Zille clashed with radio host Anele Mdoda, making claims about water infrastructure. We tested them for accuracy.
africacheck.info
October 6, 2025 at 6:49 AM
🚰 Johannesburg’s water crisis has become a political flashpoint. Veteran politician Helen Zille made 6 claims about Joburg & Cape Town’s water infrastructure.
We fact-checked them:
✅ 2 correct
❌ 4 incorrect
🔎 Read more: africacheck.info/zille_water
We fact-checked them:
✅ 2 correct
❌ 4 incorrect
🔎 Read more: africacheck.info/zille_water
READ: Our @sheena_swemmer and @leeannegaertner share their thoughts on why we are challenging the way the law defines sexual offences
www.news24.com/opinions/col...
www.news24.com/opinions/col...
OPINION | Challenging how we define sexual offences | News24
Last week, the Constitutional Court heard a case that could fundamentally change how sexual offences are prosecuted in South Africa. The applicants are asking for the focus to shift away from how vict...
www.news24.com
October 6, 2025 at 8:43 AM
READ: Our @sheena_swemmer and @leeannegaertner share their thoughts on why we are challenging the way the law defines sexual offences
www.news24.com/opinions/col...
www.news24.com/opinions/col...
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...
September 30, 2025 at 8:26 AM
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...
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...
September 30, 2025 at 8:14 AM
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...
We are in the Constitutional Court this morning for an important case looking at how the law defines sexual offences in terms of #consent
We are represented by Mx Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane and Dr Sheena Swemmer
We rely on expert evidence from Dr Jameelah Omar
#ConsentMatters
We are represented by Mx Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane and Dr Sheena Swemmer
We rely on expert evidence from Dr Jameelah Omar
#ConsentMatters
September 25, 2025 at 8:08 AM
We are in the Constitutional Court this morning for an important case looking at how the law defines sexual offences in terms of #consent
We are represented by Mx Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane and Dr Sheena Swemmer
We rely on expert evidence from Dr Jameelah Omar
#ConsentMatters
We are represented by Mx Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane and Dr Sheena Swemmer
We rely on expert evidence from Dr Jameelah Omar
#ConsentMatters
This application is set to be heard in the Constitutional Court on Thursday
We argue that consent should not form part of the definition of sexual offences because this places an added burden on complainants to show that they did not consent
groundup.org.za/article/apex...
We argue that consent should not form part of the definition of sexual offences because this places an added burden on complainants to show that they did not consent
groundup.org.za/article/apex...
The Constitutional Court will be hearing arguments this week in the landmark case about “consent” in sexual offences, including rape.
Read groundup.org.za/article/apex... by Tania Broughton
Read groundup.org.za/article/apex... by Tania Broughton
Apex court to hear landmark case on “consent” in sexual offences
The Embrace Project wants the Constitutional Court to confirm a high court ruling that found provisions in the Sexual Offences Act unconstitutional
groundup.org.za
September 23, 2025 at 12:35 PM
This application is set to be heard in the Constitutional Court on Thursday
We argue that consent should not form part of the definition of sexual offences because this places an added burden on complainants to show that they did not consent
groundup.org.za/article/apex...
We argue that consent should not form part of the definition of sexual offences because this places an added burden on complainants to show that they did not consent
groundup.org.za/article/apex...