UKZN’s Street Law module yielding positive results for vulnerable KwaZulu-Natal communities.
Taught by Law academic Dr Janine Hicks, the innovative teaching and learning approach she employs sees teams of final year Law students placed at local NGOs to address social justice issues and challenge instances of inequality and discrimination.
This is apparent from impact case studies of testimonials from organisations detailing the impact of the community outreach initiative. The organisations include the Denis Hurley Centre; Abahlali baseMjondolo (Shack dwellers’ Movement); the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW), Asiye eTafuleni (Let’s Go to the Table) and the Albert Luthuli Museum in Groutville, Stanger.
‘Street Law students are equipped with theoretical underpinning and practical skills in participatory methodology to empower them to communicate legal and human rights information to diverse communities,’ said Hicks. ‘We integrate socio-economic rights and remedial measures for addressing rights violations into our teaching of human rights, including the work of local NGOs in research, outreach and policy advocacy involving these issues. In each of these spaces, the impact on clients and beneficiaries of these organisations is profound,’ said Hicks.
As part of the Street Law module deliverables there is a requirement that students undertake 25 hours of community outreach, conducting outreach workshops and education in a chosen community, and assisting with legal challenges and complaints of discrimination. The Street Law co-ordinator has established partnership agreements with a variety of NGOs to host students who opt to participate in these specific outreach initiatives.
A case referral mechanism is established where individual instances of rights violations require case intake and response, with matters being referred to the UKZN Law Clinic. Where matters require policy advocacy, these are taken up through one of the Law School’s research interest groups (RIG), and the Navi Pillay Research Group. Issues requiring strategic litigation are referred to ProBono.Org to source attorneys and advocates from their pro bono panel.
Denis Hurley Centre’s Director Dr Raymond Perrier said that they are grateful to have worked closely with the Street Law project since 2018.
‘In all cases, simply by the Law students being there and listening to their stories, homeless people have benefited from being taken seriously and treated as valid citizens by people with whom they would not otherwise engage. We are pleased to have had this opportunity to positively impact both homeless people and a new generation of lawyers.’
From a student’s perspective, final-year Law student Ms Bianca Harris said: ‘My experience at the Denis Hurley Centre was deeply humbling and inspiring. The centre’s unwavering love for the homeless restores their dignity and reminded me of the strength and resilience of my fellow South Africans, while also sparking a renewed passion for justice and humanity in me.’
Mr S’bu Zikode, President of the shack dwellers’ organisation Abahlali base Mjondolo, said the workshops on housing rights, evictions and gender-based violence (GBV) that have been facilitated through this partnership have created conversations of mutual respect and benefit to both students and communities.
‘Students have helped Abahlali communities facing evictions to take statements of personal
circumstances of each family required by courts. It is through this kind of collaboration of universities and community organisations that our society can be empowered.’
To learn more about this initiative and its impact click here.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photographs: Supplied
