ArticlesMediaPolicingPolicing After the Scorpions: Negotiating Alternative OptionsAt a press conference last week, the chairs of the portfolio committees on safety and security and justice indicated that the Scorpions would be shut down regardless of public petitions or inputs made at their public hearings. The hearings are being held over the coming weeks on two Bills that provide for the unit to be dissolved. Justice committee chair… Read More CSVRAugust 8, 2008
ArticlesMediaGender-based Violence, Migrants and XenophobiaDouble Jeopardy: Being Foreign and Female Increased Their Vulnerability During Xenophobic ViolenceBeing both foreign and female increased the vulnerability of women during the xenophobic violence in South Africa. Xenophobia targets women and children because they are central to making settlement happen. They denote a more permanent move, the laying down of roots. In the wave of xenophobic violence that swept across South Africa in the past weeks, more than 50 people… Read More CSVRJuly 20, 2008
ArticlesMediaTorture and State ViolenceSouth African No Torture Consortium LaunchedThe South African No Torture Consortium (SANTOC) was launched on 26 June 2008, International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture. The Consortium aims improve the impact and effectiveness of the torture rehabilitation sector. SANTOC is working to build a strong advocacy movement to pressure the South African government to criminalise torture and to adopt and ratify OPCAT, the Optional… Read More CSVRJuly 2, 2008
ArticlesMediaPeacebuilding, Transitional JusticeZimbabwe: Negotiations Must Not Lead to Further ImpunityMDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s announcement that he will not contest Zimbabwe’s presidential election this week has been greeted in some quarters by renewed calls for talks towards a negotiated settlement and a possible Government of National Unity as an interim measure until proper elections can take place. The MDC has stated that it will make known its own proposed way… Read More CSVRJune 25, 2008
ArticlesMediaGender-based Violence, Trauma and TransitionViolence Hits Women HardMore than 50 people have died, hundreds have been injured and thousands displaced in the wave of xenophobic violence that swept across South Africa in recent weeks. While media reports described the brutality of the attacks on foreign nationals - which included beatings, stabbings, torching and property seizures - women caught up in the crisis have been especially vulnerable. While… Read More CSVRJune 1, 2008
ArticlesMediaInequalities, Migrants and Xenophobia, Transitional JusticeScarcity Sets Fire to SA's Xenophobic TinderboxIn January, acts of violence and intimidation were perpetrated against foreigners in Soshanguve. In March, foreigners’ home-based businesses were vandalised and items stolen in Atteridgeville West. In April, South African nationals looted the shops and burned the homes of foreigners in Mamelodi East. And just this week, South African nationals beat, raped and looted the homes of foreigners in Alexandra… Read More CSVRMay 22, 2008
