We dedicate this issue to the Public Interest Law Gathering held at Wits University from 22-24 July 2015, and introduce two new additions to the ProBono.Org staff in Joburg and Pretoria.
From July 22 – 24, the halls of the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law (WLS) were abuzz with the voices and presence of Public Interest Law Gathering (PILG) participants.
This initiative, organised by a number of local public interest law organisations, brings together a vast array of people – from across the country and beyond – who are concerned about the cutting edge of human rights and social justice. Focusing on public interest advocacy and litigation, the Gathering and its associated activities is a knowledge and skills-sharing exercise as well as an opportunity to promote greater collaboration and networking within the public interest law and human rights communities. Participants include, amongst others, public interest legal practitioners, advice office workers and paralegals, social movement activists, law students, legal academics, lawyers from the private sector and public servants. The aim of the Gathering is to serve as a focal point for practitioners, activists and other interested persons to share and develop learnings and insights, with the ultimate goal of improving and enhancing access to justice and the quality of services provided to marginalised, vulnerable individuals and communities. Indeed, this process provides an important opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, discuss, debate, reflect, strategise and commune.
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