Denemek ALTIN - Özgür

Advocacy groups unite in court for the decriminalisation of sex work

The Star

|

September 04, 2025

A NUMBER of organisations are gearing up as they advocate for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa which will highlight the human rights violations sutfsied by sex workers under, what they describe as, an “outdated criminal legal framework”.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

Advocacy groups unite in court for the decriminalisation of sex work

This week in the Western Cape High Court SECTION27, representing the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), and Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) along with the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF), the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (CHR), and the Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) represented by Lawyers for Human Rights and the Women's Legal Centre were of the organisations admitted as amici.

The main application, brought by S.H and Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), against the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others seeks to decriminalise sex work in South Africa.

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 (SORMA), and the City of Cape ‘Town By-Law on Streets, Public Places, and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances (the By-Laws), insofar as they criminalise the provision and solicitation of sex work.

On Monday and Tuesday each of the organisations made oral submissions in their bid for admission. The main hearing will be on 18 to 20 May 2026 at the Western Cape High Court Division, Cape Town.

The Star'den DAHA FAZLA HİKAYE

The Star

The Star

‘Hey! You Ought to Forgive’: a guide to breaking cycles of hurt

IN HEY! You Ought to Forgive, author Mahlatse Nchabeleng addresses one of the hardest commands of the heart: forgiveness.

time to read

4 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

Chiefs taking risk by keeping Nabi's former assistants despite struggles

YOU WOULD have expected the head honchos at Kaizer Chiefs to have learnt their lesson by now. But such is the questionable nature of management that they seem not to care anymore.

time to read

3 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

Moody's, GCR see signs of recovery as South Africa's growth outlook remains stable

RATINGS agencies Moody’s and GCR Ratings say a positive trend is emerging in South Africa's economic growth trajectory, with both agencies maintaining a stable outlook as reforms begin to show progress and fiscal discipline continues to hold.

time to read

2 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

'Siyaya e-America' as brilliant Bafana end 23-year World Cup hoodoo

THE South African men's national football team, Bafana Bafana, enjoyed a rare favour from archrivals Nigeria last night as they ended a 23-year World Cup qualification hoodoo.

time to read

2 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

The Star

Why South Africa needs to become an electro-state

THE world is entering a new energy era, one defined by technological mastery. In this emerging reality, the countries that lead will not be those with the largest fossil fuel reserves, it will be those that can produce, store, and use electricity efficiently across every sector of their economies. This is the beginning of the age of electrotech and the rise of what can be called the electro-state.

time to read

3 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

'Future effect' - the leadership trait that matters

Good leaders know how to cultivate team intelligence and collaboration

time to read

3 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

Mental support for victims cannot wait

WORLD Mental Health Day, observed earlier this month, provided an annual reminder that mental health is not a secondary need but a cornerstone of human resilience and recovery.

time to read

2 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

Let’s fix SAFA, the nation’s pride

WHEN FIFA, the world soccer governing body, docked Bafana Bafana three points for fielding an ineligible player, Tebogo Mokoena, in their March match against Lesotho, many South Africans were devastated because the country is known for its soccer fervour.

time to read

1 min

October 15, 2025

The Star

Arsenal eye chance to pull clear in EPL title race

ARSENAL have a great opportunity to cement their newfound status as English Premier League title favourites when league action resumes, with closest challengers Liverpool facing an extremely challenging run in their next five fixtures.

time to read

1 mins

October 15, 2025

The Star

The Star

Tharisa reports strong 4th performance with increased PGM and chrome production

THARISA, the mining company dual-JSE and London Stock Exchange listed mining company reported a strong fourth quarter performance after higher mining, milling, grade and recovery metrics boosted chrome and platinum production.

time to read

2 mins

October 15, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size