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
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
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
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 […]
Submission to Gauteng Province Department of Economic Development on The Gauteng Liquor Bill, 2012
Sonke’s interest in the Bill is linked to its mission to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) on the basis that we are of the view that alcohol consumption facilitates and exacerbates GBV. This submission explores the intersection between alcohol consumption and GBV and provides comments and recommendations put forth by Sonke on the Bill.
Recommendations for Enhancing the Independence and Effectiveness of the Judicial Inspectorate for 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
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 Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities on The Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill, 2012
Sonke’s interest in the Bill is based on its core mission to attain gender equality. The law is a fundamental avenue through which women’s and gender non-conforming persons’ human rights can be advanced to the extent that the law is shaped by needs of society and in turn shapes social and cultural norms. The Bill […]
Submission to The National Council of Provinces’ Select Committee on Security & Constitutional Development on The Traditional Courts Bill
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
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
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
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
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
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 Global Commission on HIV and the Law for the African Regional Dialogue on gender equality, HIV and AIDS and the Inclusion on men and boys for gender equality in law and policy
This submission will focus on the integration of work with men and boys in local and regional policy relating to HIV and AIDS and sexual violence and will also specifically deal with the issues of compulsory HIV testing and access to PEP in terms of sexual offences legislation in South Africa.
Submission on the Suitability of Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng for Appointment as Chief Justice of South Africa
SECTION27 made this submission on behalf of Sonke Gender Justice, The Equality Project and the Treatment Action Campaign on the suitability of Justice Mogoeng as Chief Justice of South Africa. The submission begins by setting out why organisations represented by SECTION27 have an interest in making submissions on the suitability of Justice Mogoeng for appointment of […]
Submission to The Portfolio Committee of Police on The Firearms Control Amendment Bill
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
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
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.
Grootman of Laaitie – Complaint Letter to SAB Miller
Letter written by Sonke Executive Director Dean Peacock informing SAB Miller of its decision to lay a complaint against them for its “Grootman of Laaitie?” advertisement.