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The Students for Law and Social Justice (SLSJ) is a South African students organization dedicated to protecting human rights, preventing discrimination and promoting social justice and the rule of law.  The Society has been formed in partnership between students of the various universities of South Africa, with the aim to transform legal education and access to justice.

Given the intensity of students protests in 2015-2016 (#FeesMustFall) that led to the President’s decision in accordance with the law to set up the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training (“The Fees Commission”), SLSJ took a decision to actively participate in the commission. We felt and understood that the Commission was an important platform to engage government in order to achieve change within the Higher Education sector.

SLSJ understands that the process and procedures that are currently in place must be participated in together with the on the ground mobilisation and advocacy to this effect, we will be hosting a 3 day National Conference (from 24-26 June 2016) which will bring together leaders and members of the organisation to decide on its final submission to the Commission which will be submitted later this month.

The conference will be attended by 34 delegates from our branches, experts, academics, lawyers and activists. The whole idea of the National Conference is to encourage robust debates and discussions, in so doing, resulting in a comprehensive response to the Fees Commission.

We believe that besides the on the ground activism we are engaged in, we must also engage in the legal processes set up infront of us.

On the 25th of  June 2016 we will host an open session, whereby the media, civil society and our members will discuss and debate some of the challenges in Higher Education and Training. This discussions will also influence the SLSJ submission to the Fees Commission (should you like to attend please contact Carol Mohlala: caroltmohlala@gmail.com)

You can also follow the open session on Twitter @SLSJ_SA  (#FeesCommission or #FeesMustFall) and you can catch up on highlights on our Facebook page: SLSJ: Students for Law and Social Justice South Africa

Issued by Lawyers for Human Rights