Submission to the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Probing Violence Against Foreign Nationals

Submission-to-the-Ad-Hoc-Joint-Committee-on-Probing-Violence-Against-Foreign-Nationals

This submission contains the transcript of the full public address of King Goodwill Zwelithini at a ‘moral regeneration’ event held in Pongola on Human Rights Day 2015. This submission analyses extracts from the King’s speech and provides evidence that the King expressed strong anti-foreigner sentiment, and attributed a range of negative and harmful qualities to […]

Submission on the Maintenance Act Amendment Bill

Submission-on-the-Maintenance-Bill

This submission is made by Sonke, but includes the perspective of the MenCare global fatherhood campaign (the “MenCare Campaign”) that is coordinated by Sonke. Sonke endorses the Bill, but has made some comments and recommendations that are featured in this submission.

Submission to the Department of Social Development on the Discussion Document on Corporal Punishment and Discipline in the Home

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Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) welcomes the opportunity to make submissions to the Department of Social Development (DSD) on the Discussion Document on Corporal Punishment and Discipline in the Home (Discussion Document). Sonke is a non-profit, human rights and social justice organisation that strives to achieve gender equality, prevent gender based violence and reduce the spread […]

Submission to the Civilian Secretariat for Police on the Green Paper on Policing

This submission is made by several gender, women’s rights and children’s rights civil society organisations working in the area of gender based violence. Some of these organisations provide direct services to survivors of domestic violence through shelters or psycho-social and legal advice or support and others conduct advocacy and litigation around women’s and children’s rights […]

Submission to The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities (National Assembly) on the Commission on Gender Equality Bill

Submission_on_the_CGE_Act_Amendment_Bill

The organisations making these submissions welcome the opportunity to provide submissions to the Portfolio Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities (‘the Portfolio Committee’) on the Commission for Gender Equality Amendment Bill: B36-2012 (‘the Bill’). This submission is submitted by a collective of organisations (hereinafter referred to as ‘the organisations’ or ‘we’) working towards […]

Recommendations for Enhancing the Independence and Effectiveness of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services

Submission-to-the-portfolio-committee-on-correctional-services

The Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS) is a vital watchdog body that oversees South Africa’s correctional system, and is mandated to inspect and report on the treatment of inmates. To be an effective independent oversight mechanism for a correctional system that is mired with challenges, JICS requires strong institutional independence as well as support […]

Complaint form filed to the Commission of Gender Equality

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Section 174(2) of the South African Constitution require that appointments to the judiciary reflect broadly the racial and gender composition of South Africa. However we have observed that the judiciary does not mirror a gender composition that is reflective of society.

Submission to The National Council of Provinces’ Select Committee on Security & Constitutional Development on The Traditional Courts Bill

Sonke-TCB-Submission-4-September-2012

We make these submissions to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Development (‘the Committee’) in the interest of public participation and in an effort to advance the constitutional imperatives to human dignity, equality and freedom for all South African citizens. Our ultimate view is that the Traditional Courts Bill (‘the Bill’) should be rejected […]

Submission to The Department of Social Development on The White Paper on Families

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Sonke’s interest in the White Paper is based on the work that it does to encourage and support gender equitable and non-violent parenting. In shifting societal norms through the law men can contribute to the development of a gender equitable care economy which would ultimately valuably contribute to the attainment of gender transformation in South […]

Submissions on Combating of Torture of Persons Bill

Submissions on Combating of Torture of Persons Bill [B 21 of 2012]

These submissions represent the views of a group of organisations. We welcome the tabling in Parliament of the Combating of Torture of Persons Bill as it represents an important step in preventing and eradicating torture and other ill treatment in South Africa, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fulfil its obligations under international human rights law […]

Submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act

SOA-Proposed-Amendments

We would firstly like to commend the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development [“the Committee”] for facilitating written submissions on the proposed amendments The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences And Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill [“the Bill”]. We further support the action of the Committee to amend the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related […]

Submission to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services

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Sonke has worked closely with DCS since 2007, conducting peer education for offenders and members in facilities in the Western Cape and Gauteng. Using our One Man Can and Brothers for Life curricula, the peer education focuses on improving the health-seeking behaviors of inmates and members, and trains participants to act as leaders within their […]

Analysis of and Recommendations for National Planning Commission Diagnostic Document and Elements of the Draft Vision Statement 2030

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The National Planning Commission Diagnostic document (‘the diagnostic’), is an important step in planning for the continued development and success of South Africa as a nation. It highlights key fissures in South African society, as well as impediments to the well-being of the nation’s health, unification, economy and material resources. Thus, it serves as a critical 20-year vision document […]

Submission to The Portfolio Committee of Police on The Firearms Control Amendment Bill

Sonke Submission on Firearms Control Amendment

Sonke believes that firearm control laws should attempt to delink notions of manhood with firearm ownership, and promote norms that do not make firearm possession a sign of power and masculinity. Accordingly, this submission will focus on the following points: Limiting the number of licences that are possible for occasional sport shooting and occasional hunting. […]

SAB discontinues Grootman of Laaitie advert campaign

SAB discontinues Grootman of Laaitie ad campaign

In response to complaints, including one by Sonke, the South African Breweries Ltd (SAB) has decided to withdraw its “Grootman of Laaitie” advert, together with the “Bigger is better” Carling Black Label advert, which it outlines in this release.

Complaint Laid with ASA about Carling Black Label Ad Grootman of Laaitie

Sonke Press Release--Complaint Laid with ASA about Carling Black Label Ad Grootman of Laaitie.jpg

Civil society organisations lay complaint laid with the Advertising Standards Authority about South African Breweries Carling Black Label advertisement “Grootman of Laaitie: Vra vir die volle 750ml” on the grounds that it promotes harmful stereotypes about men and masculinity that undermine efforts to prevent violence and HIV and AIDS.