A coalition of sex workers and activists is urging the government to fast-track the long-stalled bill that would decriminalise with in South Africa. The bill, which is being revised for a second time, has yet to make its way back to Parliament, leaving many vulnerable workers without legal protection or access to basic services.
On Monday, 2 June, members of the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) and the Asijiki Coalition for the Decriminalisation of Sex Workers they are Department of Justice (DOJ) offices in Cape Town. In a symbolic demonstration, they set up a “help desk” complete with chairs and signage, inviting DOJ officials to join them in rewriting the bill. The seat reserved for the department remained empty throughout the day.
A large placard read: “Sex workers are here to help you to redraft the bill.”
Lloyd Rugara, provincial coordinator for the Season, in
The call to decriminalise Sex Workers two years and Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill of 2022 was withdrawn and sent back for redrafting. In May 2023, state law advisors flagged the bill’s lack of detailed regulation, stalling the process yet again.
Since then, a new deputy minister, Andries Nel, ha
Constance Mathe, that labour law.
The Broader Fight for Sex Workers Decriminalisation
The lack of legal clarity leaves Sex Workers exposed to police harassment, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions. Many also struggle to access basic healthcare services due to persistent stigma within the public health system.
Mathe highlighted how funding cuts from US AID with, which once served as critical access points for HIV prevention, mental health care, and reproductive health services. Without these clinics, many now face long waits and discrimination at public facilities.
“When we go to clinics, we are judged and ignored. We are told to wait at the back. Some are turned away entirely,” said Mathe. “We’re tired of being treated like we don’t matter. This bill must move forward.”
One of the key criticisms from the sex worker community is the lack of direct consultation of with—has been sidelined in the policy process.
“No redrafting should take two years, especially when people’s lives are at risk,” said Mathe. “This is not just about changing laws. It’s about acknowledging our humanity and protecting our rights.”
During the demonstration, DOJ official Ashika Singh came outside to engage with the protesters. While she did not sit at the symbolic help desk, Singh did acknowledge the concerns and promised a formal response from the department within three weeks.
The activists cautiously welcomed the commitment but emphasized that continued pressure and public support will be essential to keep the issue on the government’s agenda.
The protest outside the DOJ is part of a wider campaign to decriminalise sex work in Shuman rights and public health. Decriminalisation is supported by major international organisations including UNAIDS, Amnesty International,World Health Organization, all of which argue that legal reform reduces violence and improves health outcomes.
As the revised bill remains in limbo, activists vow to continue their advocacy. They hope their efforts will finally lead to a legal framework that respects the autonomy, labour rights, and humanity of sex workers across South Africa.
Source- EWN
