R2P PROTEST SYMPOSIUM
The Right to Protest Project (R2P) presents its first annual Protest Symposium themed “The State of Protest in Post-Apartheid South Africa”
Date : 5 December – 6 December 2022
Venue: Witwatersrand University
The Protest Symposium aims to critically analyze and engage the current challenges encompassing the right to protest in South Africa. In the midst of the nation grappling with the aftereffects of COVID-19, the growing inequality gaps, and the lack of redistribution of public resources, endemic rates of public and private sector corruption as well as institutionalized gender-based violence, racism and xenophobia marginalized communities often use different forms of protest action to voice out their dissent. However, the mainstream narrative of protesters being violent instigators has sought to criminalize protestors and minimize outrage at these intersecting challenges faced by many persons and groups. This has resulted in the further justification of human rights violations by police and private security companies during protest action.
Taking place at a time when South Africa is at a political crossroads facing multiple crises, this symposium is a gathering of academics, students, and activists who wish to contribute to promoting and protecting the right to protest. These series of workshops and seminars seek to formulate collaborative interventions to address challenges in the current protest landscape.
For enquiries please contact the following:
Project Coordinator – Busisiwe Zasekhaya, Busisiwe.zasekhaya@wits.ac.za , 082 322 0383
Communications and Engagements Officer- Omhle Ntshingila-Omhle.ntshingila@wits.ac.za, 082 322 0512
The Right2Protest Project (R2P) is a civil society coalition working to advance the constitutional right to protest. R2P is based at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies which is a leading human rights centre in the Wits Law School. R2P is looking for a Communications and Engagement Officer to join our dynamic team. The appointment is a short-term appointment.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Matric Certificate
- 2-3 years of experience working in the civil society sector
- Paralegal experience is an advantage
- A demonstrated interest /experience in coalition/movement building in the human rights and social justice sector
- Experience in developing workshop material and facilitating workshops
- Ability to undertake research and produce written reports for publication
- Proficiency in MS Office and other design tools
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency in several South African languages will be an advantage
- Willingness to travel extensively
- A relevant degree will be an advantage
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Co-developing and implementing the R2P communications strategy
- Co-developing and implementing the R2P advocacy strategy
- Co-developing R2P advocacy material
- Assisting in drafting the annual state of protest report
- Organising and facilitating workshops
- Engagement with different stakeholders (media, public, state officials etc.) on different platforms through press statements, interviews and opinion editorials, public presentations
- Building relationships and a network of partner organisations working on protest issues in all 9 provinces
- Representing R2P in civil society forums
- Managing R2P’s social media platforms
TO APPLY
To apply please submit the following:
- A covering letter motivating why you have the necessary skills, experience and/or qualifications for this position as well as the names and contact details of 2 referees;
- A detailed CV;
- An academic transcript (if relevant); and a writing sample of no longer than 5 pages.
- All applications should be sent to Sibongile.Ncube@wits.ac.za.
Please note that we are looking for candidates who wish to pursue a career in social justice. Individuals from previously and currently disadvantaged population groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
CLOSING DATE: 30th June 2021
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