The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) welcomes the start of the amicus curiae hearings on 1–2 September in Cape Town, an important milestone in our ongoing constitutional challenge to South Africa’s criminalisation of sex work.
This litigation, initiated in 2021 by a brave sex worker (S.H) and SWEAT, challenges the constitutionality of the current criminal laws that continue to subject sex workers to stigma, harassment, violence, and exclusion from fundamental rights. The amicus phase will allow experts, organisations, and allies to present evidence of the devastating impacts of criminalisation, ranging from barriers to healthcare to systemic human rights violations.
These hearings come on the heels of a national moratorium on the prosecution of sex workers, issued by the National Director of Public Prosecutions in August 2025. This landmark step underscores the recognition that criminalisation is harmful and unsustainable. However, arrests by police continue, showing why full decriminalisation remains urgent. SWEAT reiterates its call on the Ministry of Police to follow suit and implement a moratorium on arrests to protect sex workers while this case unfolds.
“The amicus hearings are a crucial moment — they bring the voices of experts and allies into the courtroom to demonstrate just how much harm these laws cause. For sex workers, this case is not abstract — it’s about dignity, safety, and being able to live free from criminalisation,” said Duduzile Dlamini, SWEAT Advocacy Manager.
Join Us at Court
SWEAT calls on sex workers, allies, and members of the public to show solidarity and support in person.
📍 Western Cape High Court, Cape Town
🕘 From 09h00 on 1 and 2 September
Your presence will send a clear message: sex workers deserve rights, dignity, and freedom.
Support the Case — Support Sex Workers
SWEAT is also calling on the public to stand with sex workers at this critical time. Litigation of this scale requires immense resources, alongside ongoing support for sex workers who continue to face harassment, police abuse, and stigma while the case unfolds.
We invite our allies, partners, and the public to show solidarity by contributing to our fundraiser:
👉 https://www.givengain.com/campaign/sweat-needs-your-solidarity-decrim-now-31249
Every contribution helps SWEAT continue to provide legal support, community services, and advocacy while pursuing the long road toward decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa.
Find the case explainer here: https://sweat.org.za/2025/08/07/decrimincourt-what-you-need-to-know/
📞 For media enquiries, please contact:
Megan Lessing / meganl@sweat.org.za / +27813067812
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