Right2Know Campaign – www.r2k.org.za/about/

This began as a campaign against the proposed Secrecy Bill in August 2010 and now the organisation campaigns for freedom of expression and access to information. There is plenty of interesting reading material on their website.

The Open Democracy Advice Centre – www.opendemocracy.org.za/index

This non-profit’s “mission is to promote open and transparent democracy; foster a culture of corporate and government accountability; and assist people in South Africa to be able to realize their human rights.” They do this using laws such as the PAIA.

The South African History Archive (SAHA) – www.saha.org.za/about_saha.htm

This organisation started by activists in the 1980s is today “dedicated to documenting, supporting and promoting greater awareness of past and contemporary struggles for justice through archival practices and outreach, and the utilisation of access to information laws.”

Amandla.mobi – www.amandla.mobi

This is an independent organisation that “seeks to build a more just and people-powered Mzansi.” They say, “To do this we’re working to turn every cell phone into a democracy building tool so that no matter where you live; what language you speak or what issue you care about, you can take action with others.”

Corruption Watch – www.corruptionwatch.org.za/about-us/

This non-profit organisation was launched in January 2012. They say, “We rely on the public to report corruption to us. We use the reports as an important source of information to fight corruption and hold leaders accountable for their actions.” On their website you can see listed all the PAIA requests they have made and how the public bodies have responded.

Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) – cer.org.za/

This non-profit organisation is an environmental rights law firm, “that helps communities defend their right to a healthy environment. It does this by advocating and litigating for transparency, accountability and compliance with environmental laws.”

The South African Human Rights Commission – www.sahrc.org.za/home/

These Commissioners are appointed by Parliament and their task is to get all South Africans to respect and observe human rights, and to investigate, report on and take steps to stop human rights violations (people not getting their rights) and get help for victims.

SA Constitutional Literacy and Service Initiative (Clasi) – www.leonfoundation.co.za/clasi

This Cape Town NGO ‘works with high school children and university law students to raise awareness about citizen’s constitutional rights’. It works mainly with historically disadvantaged communities.

Public Protector – www.pprotect.org/

This government office investigates and helps to put right unlawful or improper actions by government departments or employees.

There are many organisations that are involved in the protection of human rights generally in South Africa. Click here to view these organisations’ contact details.