ArticlesMediaInequalities, Transitional Justice, Trauma and TransitionSocioeconomic Oppression and the Need to Rethink Transitional JusticeIn South Africa, organized survivors of apartheid violations have increasingly focused on socioeconomic issues. There are continuities, they note, between the colonial and apartheid past and the democratic present. While building on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, survivors break new ground in bringing socioeconomic rights and locally grounded initiatives to the forefront of transitional justice, explains the… Read More Jasmina BrankovicJuly 5, 2020
ArticlesMediaInequalities, Transitional Justice, Trauma and TransitionInequality Is the Primary Driver of Violence, Say Apartheid SurvivorsDescribing how high levels of inequality and violence feed each other, survivors of apartheid violations hold that people-driven social transformation is key to reducing both—and to fulfilling the promises of the democratic transition. “What is the cause of violence? It is caused by poverty, hunger and jobs being unavailable.” Organised apartheid survivors, like the Khulumani Support Group member quoted here,… Read More Jasmina BrankovicJuly 5, 2020
ArticlesMediaTransitional JusticePress Release: Justice for Ahmed Timol and Other Apartheid VictimsThe South African Coalition for Transitional Justice (SACTJ) notes with deep concern the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that it does not intend to pursue charges against two apartheid Security Branch police officers, Seth Sons and Neville Els, implicated in the torture and murder of Ahmed Timol in 1971. Judge Billy Mothle ruled in the Gauteng High Court… Read More Hugo van der MerweJune 22, 2020
ArticlesMediaTrauma and TransitionWe Must Take Action to Mitigate the Impact of Covid-19 on Mental HealthSouth Africa was already in a state of crisis with a population that was psychologically depleted, even before Covid-19. The pandemic, with its increased fear and stress, is eroding this even further. Our responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery is likely to exacerbate our mental health crisis, unless we appreciate the importance of investing in our human… Read More Nomfundo MogapiMay 22, 2020
ArticlesMediaGender-based ViolenceGBV in Light of COVID-19: Can We Rid SA of Both?One confirmed case of Covid-19 is one too many; one confirmed case of gender-based violence is one too many. Can we simultaneously rid the country of both pandemics? President Cyril Ramaphosa has dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic laudably, showing decisive action and leadership. Now he needs to show the same leadership in dealing with GBV. The extended lockdown has left… Read More Nonsikelelo NcubeMay 13, 2020
ArticlesMediaInequalitiesCombat Hunger and Poverty Caused by Covid-19As we enter a time where the fear of starvation becomes more prevalent than the fear of Covid-19, we need to look for more effective strategies to look after the needs of the most desperate in our communities. Government has moved decisively to address the health crisis brought on by Covid-19. Now we need to show equal resolve in responding… Read More Hugo van der MerweMay 5, 2020
