Constance Mathe News Today

Sex worker activists have held a landmark summit, rejuvenating efforts towards decriminalising sex work in South Africa.

COSATU calls for sex workers to unionise

“It’s clear we’re not going to achieve decrim in 2024” say activist

South Africa plans to decriminalise sex work. Public comment on the draft legislation closes on Tuesday. Evidence from other countries suggests South Africa could see a drop in rapes and sexually transmitted infections for everyone if the bill goes through, writes Jesse Copelyn.

Evidence from other countries suggests South Africa could see a drop in rapes and sexually transmitted infections for everyone if the bill goes through

If sex work is decriminalised, it will be possible for brothels to be monitored and regulated and ultimately lead to the safety of sex workers, organisation says.

South Africa is poised to become the first African country to decriminalise sex work following the publication of an amendment to the country’s criminal law

South African sex workers say that decriminalisation will help to protect them, in particular from police abuses.

Constance Mathe of the Asijiki Coalition painted a dire picture of the situation sex workers find themselves in at the moment, saying that they can’t turn to the police in their time of need because of the way they’re treated.

Police discovered the bodies of six women, believed to be sex workers, in the Johannesburg CBD on Sunday.