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
MediaOur News and EventsTransitional Justice, Violence PreventionReview of "A Nation Without Guns," by CSVR Executive Director Adèle KirstenKirsten, Adèle, 2007. A Nation Without Guns? The Story of Gun Free South Africa. Scottsville: University of KwaZulu-Natal Press. xx 244 pp. ISBN 9781869141356. Feinstein, Andrew, 2007. After the Party: A Personal and Political Journey Inside the ANC. Johannesburg: Jonathan Bull. xiv 287 pp. ISBN 9781868422623. From very different standpoints, these authors have written two fascinating accounts of South African… Read More CSVRJune 11, 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
ArticlesMediaPolicingDemise of Scorpions Will Be Dismal for DemocracyOne of the most contentious issues in South Africa today concerns the future of the Directorate of Special Operations (‘the Scorpions’) related to the fact that the African National Congress appears to be determined to disband the unit in line with a resolution passed in December at the ANC national conference in Polokwane. Closing the Scorpions will centralise South Africa’s… Read More CSVRMay 4, 2008
