Focal point
Location
Johannesburg
2000
The Legal Resources Centre (LRC) is South Africa’s largest public interest, human rights law clinic. Established in 1979, we use the law as an instrument of justice for the vulnerable and marginalised, including poor, homeless and landless people.
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Resources
Displaying 6 - 10 of 18Coastal Links Langebaan v Minister of Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries
“The Langebaan lagoon is the only non-estuarine tidal lagoon in South Africa. It is situated on the West Coast, approximately 100 kilometres north of Cape Town. The mouth of the lagoon, on its northern side, is entered via Saldanha Bay1. The lagoon is a highly legislated area. It was proclaimed a marine reserve in 1973 in terms of the Sea Fisheries Act2 and in 1985 it was proclaimed part of the Langebaan National Park, whose name was later changed to the West Coast National Park.
Land Restitution in 2016
The following is an account of a grassroots movement led by a group of NGOs and communities who went to the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa, to challenge the law dealing with land claims.
They wanted the Court to declare the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act 15 of 2014 unconstitutional; and they won!
Msiza v DG of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
Land Access Movement of South Africa v National Council of Provinces
In this case, which was heard before the Constitutional Court of the Republic of South Africa, The Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act 15 of 2014 was declared invalid. The Act, among other things, sought to extend the period in which land restitution claims could be lodged. However, the court found that the Parliament did not sufficiently consult with key stakeholders including those who had successfully lodged claims under the previous Act of 1994.
A Practical Guide for Mining-Affected Communities
This guide seeks to highlight the steps that concerned parties and communities can take to address the challenges that mining poses on communities. It gives communities the tools they need to understand the law that governs mining and to protect their rights. Although it focuses on South Africa, the tools proposed will be relevant for communities facing similar issues in other countries.
This resource is part of the CCSI’s Directory of Community Guidance on Agreements Relating to Agriculture or Forestry Investment.