On 27 March 2024, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) hosted a training with the Pretoria Aurum Institute Pop INN clinic, on the Equality Courts of South Africa to increase confidence, knowledge and capacity in seeking recourse for discrimination. Naledi Mpanza, Tholoana Mosia, Victoria Amaechi, from the Centre, coordinated the training, ensuring its success.
The training, which was planned to coincide with South Africa’s Human Rights Month and the week of Trans Day of Visibility, was held at the Aurum Institute Pop INN Clinic, a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) Centre for Disease Control (CDC) program and support hub, which caters primarily to gay, bisexual, queer men who have sex with men (MSM) as well as transgender people. The main topics covered were the history and politics of LGBTQI+ concepts and terms, self-identification, consent, harassment, the nuances of unfair discrimination as well as a step-by-step guide on how to lodge a complaint at the Equality Court.
The training participants comprised of employees, community leaders, and advocates closely affiliated with the Pop INN clinic throughout Gauteng. The participants brought to the fore real issues and common challenges of discrimination commonly faced by the community of sexual and gender minorities that they work with daily.
Many of the participants in attendance reflected on their excitement and gratitude in learning about the legal foundations of Equality from the South African Constitution, as well as the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), which provides for the Equality Courts as well as the protection of the rights of sexual and gender minorities which are commonly derided. Attendees also noted how the session surpassed their expectations and left them feeling empowered to share with their constituents the accessibility of the Equality Courts.
Every participant was awarded a certificate, acknowledging their commitment to advancing human rights and equality. In concluding the day,, Pontsho Komane, project manager at the Pop INN clinic, provided a comprehensive tour of the facilities to the SOGIESC Unit, introducing the social workers, clinical staff, pharmacy personnel, administrative staff, and other colleagues working as a part of the Pop INN clinic team.
The Centre would like to extend its gratitude to the Aurum Institute Pop Inn Clinic team and the attendees of the training, as well as the European Union (EU) for financial support.
For more information about the Aurum Institute Pop INN Clinic, please visit popinn.org.
For further details on the Equality Courts, please contact:
