Justice Ministry supports court insights on sex work reform in SA

FOLLOWING this week's admission of 16 amici curiae (friends of the court) who will assist the Western Cape High Court with insights concerning the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomed the court’s decision.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

In its litigation, the applicants challenge the constitutionality of provisions under the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, and the City of Cape Town By-Law on Streets, Public Places, and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances (the Bylaws), insofar as they criminalise the provision and solicitation of sex work.

The main application, brought by S.H. and Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), against the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, will be heard from May 18 to 20, 2026, at the Western Cape High Court Division, Cape Town.

Spokesperson to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Terrence Manase, said they welcomed the admission of the organisations as parties before the court.