ProBono.Org was represented at the 2025 PILnet Global Forum in Rome, Italy, by its National Director, Adv. Mohamed Shafie Ameermia, and Legal Consultant, Ms Daphne Makombe. The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) was represented by its Chairperson, Mr Ismail Sadek, together with the senior manager Edigah Karuvaru of the Centre for Reproductive Rights (East Africa) and Foluso Degratas a PILnet Fellow and Director of Justice Research Institute (West Africa).The delegation showcased the African regions leadership in public interest law, access to justice, and innovation.
ProBono.Org and EPF participated in two high-impact sessions:
- Advancing People-Centered Justice Through Public Interest Law
- Pro Bono Developments in Africa: Challenges, Impact, and Innovation
These sessions were among the most attended at the forum, reflecting global interest in African-led innovation. Our contributions received positive recognition from PILnet’s executive leadership.
“We are honoured to contribute to global conversations that shape the future of access to justice.” — ProBono.Org
“Together we are proving that innovation and collaboration can make justice more accessible for all.” — EPF
Global Recognition of South African Innovation
At the forum, the South African-developed Digital Case Management (DCM) platform received significant international attention. DCM, a joint innovation of ProBono.Org and EPF aims to strengthen public interest law through efficiency, transparency, data-driven decision-making, and client-centred processes.
Impact of DCM (Year 1)
- Cases increased from 5,037 to 12,176
- Enhanced monitoring and accountability
- Simplified client onboarding and case allocation
- Improved collaboration between pro bono lawyers and NGOs
- This achievement demonstrates South Africa’s leadership in technology for justice reform.
Historic Announcement: Cape Town to Host the PILnet Global Forum 2026
Following the success of our submissions and interventions in Rome, the PILnet Board unanimously approved our bid to host the 2026 PILnet Global Forum, a historic milestone as the forum comes to the African continent for the very first time.
This is a profound moment for:
- South Africa’s public interest law ecosystem
- African regional collaboration
- ProBono.Org’s institutional reputation and global standing
The forum is expected to attract 300–350 participants, including global legal experts, pro bono leaders, public interest lawyers, academics, technology innovators, and justice-sector organisations.
Purpose of the 2026 PILnet Global Forum
A South Africa–based convening that unites legal practitioners, social justice organisations, bar associations, funders, academics, and government stakeholders to strengthen:
- Access to justice
- Pro bono ecosystems
- Public interest litigation capacity
- Regional and cross-border collaboration
- Legal innovation and technology for social impact
Preparatory Framework for the 2026 PILnet Global Forum
PHASE 1 — Venue, Date & Partnerships (11–10 Months Before)
1. Venue Selection
Possible Cape Town venues include:
- Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
- Century City Conference Centre
- V&A Waterfront venues
- University of Cape Town / University of the Western Cape Law Faculties
These venues support:
- Hybrid sessions
- Multiple breakout rooms
- Plenary halls
- Accessibility
- Networking zones
2. Forum Dates And Venue
A PILnet official, Julia Mayerhofer, visited Cape Town in December 2025, assisted by EPF’s Mr Sadek and Advocate Ameermia to finalise venues. The forum will be held from Nov 10-12, 2026 at Century City Conference Centre.
PILnet is planning an in-person, intensive training on Human Rights Strategic Litigation and Trial Advocacy, to be held in Cape Town from 13 – 16 November, immediately following the PILnet Forum. The training is designed for African public interest and pro bono lawyers and public defenders working on human rights, civic space, and community-based litigation. ProBono.Org will be co-hosting this training together with PILnet at the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town.
3. Partnerships & Sponsorships
- Strategic outreach will include:
- Law firms
- Human rights organisations
- Global foundations (Ford Foundation, OSF-SA, RAITH, Bertha Foundation)
- BAR associations
- Universities
- Government partners
PHASE 2 — Strategic Foundations (9–7 Months Before)
1. Conference Objectives
- Strengthen pro bono frameworks across Africa
- Showcase South African legal innovation
- Enhance regional justice collaborations
- Build capacity for NGOs and lawyers
- Bring global visibility to South Africa
2. Governance Structure
A Steering Committee will be established in January 2026, consisting of ProBono.Org, PILnet, EPF, and eight additional regional partners, including:
- Lawyers for Human Rights
- CoRMSA
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- Bowmans
- Centre for Reproductive Rights (East Africa)
- Justice Research Institute (West Africa)
- Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town
- Cliff Dekker Hofmeyr
- SADC Lawyers Association
Adv. Mohamed Shafie Ameermia and Ms Daphne Makombe have been elected by PILnet to serve on the Host Committee.
3. Organising Team
Roles include:
Programme Lead, Sponsorship Lead, Communications Lead, Logistics Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Tech Lead, and Finance Manager.
4. Budget Development
A detailed budget will be created covering:
- Venue
- Operations
- Programme
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Staffing
- Post-event reporting
Note:
ProBono.Org will not be required to incur ANY financial obligations at any stage of planning or hosting the forum.
PHASE 3 — Programme Development (5–3 Months Before)
3-day structure includes:
- High-level keynotes
- Regional panels
- Breakout sessions
- Youth/legal innovation track
- EPF-led innovation showcase
- Networking events which include opening and closing ceremonies.
- Closing declaration
Speakers will include judges, advocates, academics, public interest lawyers, donor partners, and global pro bono leaders.
- Launch website/landing page
- Social media promotion
- Press releases
- Save-the-date emails
- Registration portal
PHASE 4 — Operations & Logistics (2 Months Before)
- Finalise venue layout, catering, technical needs
- Confirm travel/accommodation for speakers
- Printing and branding
- Health & safety compliance
PHASE 5— Volunteers (1 Month Before)
- Recruit and train students and young practitioners from:
- University of Cape Town
- University of Western Cape
- Stellenbosch University
PHASE 6 — Event Execution (Conference Week)
Full run-sheet logistics include:
- registration, stage management, protocol, speaker support, hospitality, tech support, security, media coverage.
PHASE 7 — Post-Event Closeout
Includes:
- Reports
- Stakeholder feedback
- Financial reconciliation
- Social media and press releases
- Strategic debrief
- Publication of a conference outcomes document
Advantages of Hosting the PILnet Forum
Hosting the forum brings significant strategic benefits:
For ProBono.Org
- Strengthens our position as South Africa’s leading pro bono clearinghouse
- Enhances institutional reputation and global visibility
- Opens major funding opportunities with global donors
- Encourages cross-border partnerships with legal organisations
- Enables expansion of the DCM platform internationally
- Showcases impact and attracts long-term collaborators
- Creates pathways to establish a Southern Africa PILnet office, housed within ProBono.Org
For Africa
- Opportunity to establish a continental pro bono agenda
- Strengthening regional pro bono guidelines and networks
- Increasing access to justice through collaboration
- Elevating African innovations on the global stage
Conclusion
Hosting the 2026 PILnet Global Forum in Cape Town is a monumental opportunity not only for ProBono.Org, but for South Africa and the African continent as a whole. It positions ProBono.Org at the centre of global pro bono leadership, expands our partnerships, strengthens our recognition, and significantly enhances our funding potential.
This forum will deepen collaboration, drive innovation, and raise the visibility of African-led justice solutions. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of public interest law across the continent.
ProBono.Org stands ready to deliver a world-class event that reflects Africa’s commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights for all.
