Civic Rights

Challenging laws and policies that limit freedom of expression, assembly and association, including implementation of FATF Recommendations on money laundering and terrorist financing in an overly broad manner that limits civic rights.

Ongoing Cases

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Botswana

High Court sets a date for constitutional challenge on ‘alarming publications’ provision

The High Court of Botswana has set 15 May 2024 as the date to hear the constitutional challenge of Section 59(1) of the Botswana Penal Code.
Botswana

Botswana Gazette takes water utility to court on access to information

In 2014, the Sunday Standard newspaper carried a story entitled “The rich blocking water flow in Gaborone dam”, wherein it was reported that the WUC commissioned a study which allegedly…
Botswana

Challenging Criminal Code on Alarming Publications in Botswana

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) supports  Tshepo Junionr Sethibe through Obonye Attorneys, represented by Dr Jonas Obonye, who are challenging Section 59(1) of the Botswana Penal Code. The provision…
Civic Rights

South Africa: Qwelane v South African Human Rights Commission and another

On 22 September 2020, the Constitutional Court will hear the case of Jonathan Dubula Qwelane v South African Human Rights Commission and Another (case no: 13/20). The Constitutional Court will…

Completed Cases

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Zimbabwe: Challenging the disenfranchisement of Zimbabweans in the diaspora

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Shumba & Others v Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs & Others SALC supported three members of the Zimbabwe Diaspora, represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who challenged…

Zimbabwe: Challenging limits on voter education

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Veritas v. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission & 2 Others SALC is providing support to Veritas, a non-profit organisation based in Zimbabwe which provides publicly accessible information on the work of the…

Zambia: Defending activist on contempt of court charges

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Factual Background On 13 March 2018, the Supreme Court of Zambia gave a final judgment in the case of Savenda Management Services v Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited. Prior to that,…

Eswatini: Supporting the right to protest at a university

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SALC is concerned that the doctrine of common purpose is on occasion used by university councils to punish student leaders where damages of university property occurred during a student protest.…

Articles

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Botswana

High Court sets a date for constitutional challenge on ‘alarming publications’ provision

The High Court of Botswana has set 15 May 2024 as the date to hear the constitutional challenge of Section 59(1) of the Botswana Penal Code.
Articles

Thulani Maseko: Justice and accountability remains elusive in Eswatini

In the calm shadows of impunity, the deafening silence surrounding the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko hangs heavy. Justice, once Maseko’s weapon of choice, now lies silenced with…
Articles

Can Eswatini develop in its current political impasse?

Another election has come and gone in Eswatini. A Prime Minister and a Cabinet appointed without the express will of the people. The election happened despite an express call by…
Articles

The truth is out there – but not available to everyone

Botswana Guardian 12 October 2023 By: Bradley Fortuin The Botswana High Court has, in its Botswana Gazette vs. Water Utilities Corporation judgment delivered 26 September 2023, denied the right to…

Resources

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Civic Rights

Revitilising the campaign against sedition and insult offences in Africa

Sedition laws are a serious threat to freedom of expression and democracy in Africa. These laws are often used to silence dissent and criminalize legitimate criticism of the government. In…
Civic Rights

SALC submission on Zimbabwe’s 3rd universal periodic review

Zimbabwe is in the midst of an economic crisis, which has only been exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown restrictions have led to a decrease in manufacturing,…
Civic Rights

2019-2021 Biennial report

SALC's biennial report captures activities for March 2019 to February 2021. Read the report here.
Civic Rights Association & Assembly

SALC submission to the OHCHR for the Tanzania UPR

In March 2021, SALC made a submission to the Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights for the Tanzania UPR 39th session. Read the submission here.