Custom Contested (www.customcontested.co.za) is an initiative of the Land and Accountability Research Centre (LARC).
It is a one-stop website that provides news, information and analysis on laws and policies affecting custom, "tradition" and citizenship rights, exploring what is at stake for ordinary South Africans. It aims to serve as a resource for journalists, activists, researchers, policy-makers, and the public at large.
"Custom Contested aims to expand and deepen the public debate on issues of custom and rights in our democracy. How do ideas and practices of custom deepen equality and democracy? And, how might their abuse undermine it? We hope to stimulate engagement with these questions", says Dr. Aninka Claassens, director of LARC.
What you can find on the website:
Want to know what the latest developments are in law and policies on traditional leadership and affairs? Read the website's regular news updates.
Want to know what new legislation and policies are in the pipeline? Or what the status of draft laws such as the Traditional Courts Bill is? Check out the law and policy tracker.
Want to know about customary practices and traditional leadership in relation to human rights and democracy? Want to know what is at stake in relation to control over resources such as land and mineral rights? Read opinion articles from activists, rural community members, researchers and social commentators.
Want to know what concrete actions civil society can take? See the action alerts.
Visit Custom Contested - www.customcontested.co.za