By Wayne Ncube | National Director
Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) continues to build on its 45-year legacy of advancing justice, dignity, and equality for all. With your support, we’ve deepened our reach across South Africa—providing free legal services, shaping public interest litigation, and developing the next generation of human rights defenders.
Access to Justice, Strategic Litigation and Community Empowerment
In 2025, LHR assisted over 4,300 direct clients, with 37% identifying as women. Our legal clinics and outreach programmes remain a cornerstone of our work, while strategic litigation has amplified systemic change. LHR has been involved in no fewer than 15 strategic litigation cases that have advanced rights and deepened constitutional protections across South Africa. These cases span a wide range of issues, including affirming healthcare rights for transgender persons, securing justice for survivors of gender-based violence, and protecting the sanctity of family homes against unlawful eviction. We’ve defended the right to education for incarcerated learners, challenged barriers to asylum and refugee protection, and enforced minimum wage laws for vulnerable workers. Our litigation has also addressed land ownership and resource control, secured humanitarian aid for trapped mine workers, and restored legal identity for individuals facing statelessness. In addition, we’ve taken action to uphold the duty of the state to protect human rights defenders, reinforcing the principle that dignity and justice must be accessible to all.We also launched our first accredited Climate Justice short course with the Mandela Institute, training 20 women activists to address environmental and gendered rights challenges.
Coalition Building & Movement Support
LHR plays a leadership role in several coalitions, including Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), the #NotFitForPurpose campaign, and the Decriminalisation of Poverty and Status Campaign in Africa. Through these platforms, we support media advocacy, political education, and humanitarian outreach ensuring that marginalised voices shape the human rights agenda.
Advocacy, Policy & Regional Engagement
We made formal submissions on the Immigration Amendment Bill, focusing on detention practices, statelessness, and alternatives to deportation. The bill was passed in September 2025, and we continue to monitor its implementation. Regionally, we participated in the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Conference, moderated panels on policing and detention, and exchanged strategies with civil society partners in Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan.
Media & Public Awareness
LHR featured prominently in On the Line, a documentary by the Scalabrini Centre exploring South Africa’s deportation system. Our legal experts provided insight into the systemic challenges and unlawful practices within the current framework. We also collaborated with SANEF and Media Monitoring Africa to safeguard journalists and human rights defenders.
Organisational Strengthening
We have enhanced our internal capacity: appointing a Resource Mobilisation Consultant, Communications Officer, and Digital Systems Lead. Staff wellness initiatives and improved data systems are helping us build a resilient, responsive organisation ready for the next 45 years.
Thank you for standing with us.
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