Lee-Yandra Paulsen

Following a sharp reprimand from President Cyril Ramaphosa over delays in establishing the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Council, appointments to the long-awaited body are now expected soon. House Chairperson Cedric Frolick has emphasized that the matter is a priority, directing the portfolio committee to act without further delay. The council, created through a parliamentary act signed by President Ramaphosa nearly a year ago, is intended to provide strategic leadership in […]

On the second day of hearings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi warned that witnesses in political killings face severe risks, including intimidation, violence, and even assassination. Testifying in Pretoria, he described how fear has driven many witnesses to abandon protection programmes. Mkhwanazi continued his evidence on the controversial disbandment of the political killings task team, stressing its crucial role in tackling politically motivated crimes. […]

The Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry has assured potential witnesses of protection as it begins hearings into allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminality within South Africa’s criminal justice system. Members of law enforcement and other whistleblowers have been urged to seize the opportunity to expose wrongdoing. Legal expert Benedict Phiri noted: “What I would love to see is a lot more members of the SAPS and the criminal justice […]

Commuters in Mfuleni are frustrated by the 30-day shutdown of taxi routes to Somerset West, following escalating violence between rival taxi associations. From Wednesday, ten routes linking Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Somerset West, Lwandle, and Nomzamo were closed for 30 days or until the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) reach a peace agreement. The closures come after deadly attacks on taxi operators and […]

A bill headed to Parliament aims to end the rule that forces Members of Parliament to join the exclusive Parmed medical scheme, making medical aid membership voluntary for lawmakers. The proposal, driven by ActionSA, is part of broader calls for lawmakers to experience the same services as the citizens they represent. However, some experts have cautioned that the move may have limited practical impact. Convenor of the Progressive Health Forum, […]

The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) landmark climate opinion could significantly strengthen the legal battle South African communities are waging against offshore oil and gas exploration by companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies. The ruling has sparked critical conversations around environmental justice, state accountability, and the future of fossil fuel exploration. Professor Angela van der Berg, Director of the Global Environmental Law Centre (GELC) at the University of the Western […]

In response to ongoing violence and organised crime in the Cape Flats, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis have announced the immediate establishment of a police station in Mfuleni. The city has provided 380 square metres of municipal office space to fast-track the project, which aims to improve police visibility and response times. The announcement follows visits this week to Mfuleni and Mitchells Plain […]

Opposition parties have welcomed the passing of the Immigration Amendment Bill in the National Assembly last week, describing it as a step toward greater fairness and accountability in immigration processes. The Bill introduces clear rules for detention, magistrate oversight, and child protection, ensuring that detained foreigners receive timely judicial review and legal safeguards. Head of the Penal Reform Programme at Lawyers for Human Rights, Nabeelah Mia, said the amendments strengthen […]