Legal news and commentary from the offices of Simon Dippenaar
President Ramaphosa extends Alert Level 3 and announces new measures to combat “second pandemic” of GBV and femicide The President’s speech on 11 January, coming just two weeks after he announced a return to Alert Level 3, albeit “adjusted”, harboured few surprises. Some might have hoped for an end to the alcohol ban, but it […]
We have covered the COVID-19 pandemic, as it relates to South Africa and the issues that concern South Africans, since the lockdown was first announced on March 27th. We have reported on gender-based violence, the alcohol ban, evictions, and the overall impact on economic prosperity. This report from UNDP on the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 […]
Melinda Gates speaks out about the need for leaders to take into account the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women, as we face the long, slow task of recovery. Reprinted from the Guardian, by Melinda Gates – 2020-07-15 ‘We get recovery if we get equality’ philanthropist argues in new paper urging policymakers to address unpaid […]
Whatever your views on the alcohol ban and curfew, this is the opinion on the potential constitutionality or otherwise of the latest lockdown regulations. It is unfortunate that the irresponsible actions of a minority have deprived the majority of South Africans, who have maturely observed the rules and patiently waited for each small concession, of […]
Various organisations will make sure your food donation reaches the people in need As we contend with rising incidence of COVID-19 in South Africa (though still thankfully much lower than our European and North and South American counterparts) and the restrictions of lockdown, World Hunger Day, which took place on 28 May, has passed us […]
If the world can unite to beat coronavirus, it should apply the same energy to rooting out abuse Reprinted from the Guardian 2020-05-30. By Graça Machel. Millions of women and children are fighting for survival from abusers in the prisons of their homes. Photograph: Patrick Baz/Abaad/AFP via Getty Images The pandemic is gifting us an […]
Reprinted from the Daily Maverick. By Alan Van Gysen, 27 May 2020 We thought this article was worth sharing. Nine weeks ago, we said, “we’re all in this together”. As the lockdown has unfolded, it has become clear that nothing could be further from the truth. This article highlights the plight of some Western Cape […]
As lockdown restrictions ease, what does it mean for the rental market? Lockdown level 4 – are evictions allowed? The easing of the rigorous lockdown rules that governed us for five weeks was met with rejoicing by most South Africans, particularly those with dogs and athletes who were missing their daily runs/cycle rides. More business […]
We’ve written a lot about the scourge of rape and gender-based violence (GBV) in our country. Sadly, we are seeing an increase in incidents during the national lockdown to combat COVID-19. One security company is fighting GBV. It has put in place a system to help its control centre evaluate the level of risk a […]
Lockdown has led to high numbers of arrests. Here’s what to do if it happens to you. Locked up during lockdown? Lockdown has brought with it an increased number of arrests and incidents of police brutality. In the first three weeks of level 5 lockdown, more than 100 charges were laid against the police for […]
Data from the UN population fund, outlining increases in abuse, FGM and child marriage, predicts a grim decade for many women Domestic violence / gender-based violence / violence against women (VAW) – call it what you will. It is a global epidemic arguably worse than COVID-19, because there is no quick fix for it. Self-isolating […]
Why right now is a good time to make a will The current crisis is affecting different people in different ways. Some are having a great time, enjoying the break from work, cooking nice meals, drinking wine, and watching a lot of Netflix. Others are getting on with work, a bit disorientated by the lack […]
