“I also salute the Black Sash… even during the darkest days in the history of our struggle you held the flag of liberty high.”
Nelson Mandela

10th instalment of the

Dullah Omar School for Paralegalism.

SCAT, Black Sash, NWU Law Clinic, and CAOSA invite Community Advice Office and advice-giving Community-Based Organisations to apply for the 10th instalment of the Dullah Omar School for Paralegalism.

Under the theme, “The Road to Local Government Elections and the Community Advice Office Sector”, this year’s School will explore the critical role of community advice offices in peace-building, strengthening democracy, civic participation, accountability, and access to justice in the lead-up to the 2026 local government elections.
 
Participants may apply for one of two streams:
 
  1. Short Learning Programme on Mediation Skills – offered by the North-West University, this programme introduces practical mediation skills, including conflict resolution strategies, mediation processes, agenda setting, drafting MOUs, and mediation in family, community, and local government election contexts. The course focuses on peace-building, constructive dialogue, and sustainable dispute resolution. Applicants for this stream must have completed Grade 12 and complete the NWU application form provided by the University.
     
  2. Community Advice Offices and Local Government – this programme equips participants with practical knowledge of local government systems, Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), access to basic services, civic participation, voter mobilisation, community engagement, and advocacy strategies for strengthening accountability during the election period.

The closing date for applications is 08 June 2026.

Apply
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a strategic approach

to protect the most vulnerable

Established in 1955, Black Sash is a veteran human rights organisation advocating for social justice in South Africa.

Our work is deeply committed to understanding and promoting social protection in South Africa. We concentrate our efforts on advocating for everyone living in South Africa, with a special focus on establishing a robust Social Protection floor. Black Sash has adopted a strategic approach to protect the most vulnerable from extreme poverty and hunger.

Black Sash 70th Anniversary Schools Essay Writing Competition

winners announcement!

Yay…we are thrilled to announce and congratulate the Schools Essay Writing Competition winners, who walked away with prizes, as part of our 70th anniversary celebration.

Their essays can be read here.

1. Remofilwe Angela Bereng
2. Skumbuzo Gaveni
3. Junior Makgetla
Our focus pivots on creating clear conceptual frameworks regarding social protection in the South African context. Advocating for the constitutional rights of all who live in South Africa to a social protection floor that shields the most vulnerable members of society from the worst effects of poverty and hunger, will be the main focus.

OUR

FOCUS

  • Comprehensive Social Security
  • Social Protection
  • Access to Justice

OUR

VISION

A South Africa in which human rights are respected, recognised in law and implemented in practice. Where government is accountable to its people, meets basic needs in a participatory and dignified manner, and where the constitution is protected, promoted and fulfilled by all.

OUR

VALUES

In the execution of our work, we will uphold and promote the values of justice, integrity, dignity, rigour, the affirmation of women, independence, and courage. We believe the practice of individual and collective non-violent action can transform society.

OUR

MISSION

The realisation of socio-economic rights that reduce poverty and inequality, with an emphasis on social security and social protection for the most vulnerable, particularly women, youth and children. To this end, strong, vibrant and active civic engagement is promoted, made possible by enabling organisations of civil society that include community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations coalitions and movements.