Black Sash

14/10/2026

“As South Africa prepares for the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement,The Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC) raises concerns about the impact of austerity measures and growing privatisation on public services and the state’s ability to meet people's needs.” The article calls for strengthening public institutions and ensuring that everyone can access quality services, dignity, and social protection.

Read the full article by AIDC: https://aidc.org.za/fix-the-state-dont-sell-it/

Austerity, privatisation and monetary reforms are hollowing out the state.Read more ›

12/10/2026

On 7 October 2026, Black Sash, the Stellenbosch University Law Clinic, and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr co-hosted a one-day training session focused on constitutional rights, access to basic services, local government accountability, and the link between service delivery failures and gender-based violence ( ).

The training explored how access to water, sanitation, housing, healthcare, and safe public spaces is not only a service delivery issue, but also a matter of dignity, equality, safety, and the realisation of constitutional rights.

By creating a space for learning, dialogue, and collaboration, the session highlighted the importance of a rights-based approach to addressing service delivery challenges and strengthening efforts to prevent and respond to GBV in our communities.

09/10/2026

Black Sash joins people around the world in celebrating Judge Navanethem Navi Pillay's award of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

Read our statement: https://www.blacksash.org.za/statement-on-the-award-of-the-2026-nobel-peace-prize-to-judge-navanethem-navi-pillay/

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay is a moment of pride for South Africa and for all who believe that law, dignity and accountability must serve people, not power. Her life’s work reflects a truth Black Sash has carried since its founding in 1955: justice is n...

01/10/2026

Every story matters. Every voice counts.

In our September newsletter, we share highlights from communities, partners, and advocates working together to promote dignity, equality, and access to justice.

📖 Read the full newsletter: https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=5395dd4e-bbf5-11f1-a748-7543591c2302&pt=campaign&t=1790763006&s=9ae3563e71f61cf7996adc62c7fa332e9cf5dc39b0e0fc83e2996c2dbd6d4bc0

29/09/2026

Fraudulent deductions from social grants remain a serious problem across South Africa.

This past Sunday, Black Sash joined The Devi Show to shed light on the unexplained deductions affecting grant beneficiaries and the barriers many face when trying to get help or stop unauthorised deductions.

Through our community-based monitoring work and long-standing presence at grant sites, we continue to document the lived experiences of beneficiaries and amplify their voices in the fight to protect social grants.

🎥 Watch the full episode: https://www.enca.com/shows/devi-hands-our-grants-27-september-2026

For millions of South African pensioners, a SASSA grant is a lifeline.

29/09/2026

29/09/2026

28/09/2026

For 10 years, the Dullah Omar School for Paralegalism has been equipping community based paralegals with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to advance community justice and strengthen democracy across South Africa.

This year marked a decade of learning, collaboration, and empowering communities to know their rights, engage with local government, and hold leaders accountable.

🔗 Read the full article: https://www.blacksash.org.za/ten-years-of-strengthening-community-justice-the-dullah-omar-school-for-paralegalism/

24/09/2026

Many cultures, one nation. 🇿🇦

Today we celebrate the traditions, stories, and heritage that shape our identity and strengthen our unity.

Happy Heritage Day!