15/08/2006

THE LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE, situated in downtown Johannesburg, is an independent non-profit legal institute which seeks to use law as an instrument for justice in South Africa. The Centre, which was established by Felicia Kentridge, Arthur Chaskalson and Geoff Budlender, also works for the development of a democratic society which functions in accordance with the principles of social justice and human rights.

The original and historical papers relating to President Nelson Mandela's Rivonia trial were made available by former Johannesburg attorney, Joel Joffe, and were presented by the President to the Centre in June 1995.

These papers are now housed in the Bram Fisher Library on the fourth floor of the Centre. The library has been extensively improved and refurbished through the personal support of Dr Bill Venter, the chairman of the Altron Group.

Today the Centre employs a number of salaried lawyers and support staff to provide legal services without charge. Its clients are the poor, the homeless and the landless in South Africa and those who have suffered discrimination by reason of race, gender or social, economic and historical circumstances. Now that South Africa has a new constitution with a bill of rights, the Centre will work to uphold, promote and give substance to such rights. The cases of the Centre deal primarily with human rights; land, housing and development in both urban and rural areas; constitutional matters; gender issues; environmental justice; prevention of the abuse of power by public officials; fair labour practices; consumer abuse as well as pension and other welfare rights. This programme of refurbishment and upgrading of the Bram Fischer Library and the establishment of a new conference room, symbolises Dr Venter's dedication and ongoing commitment to the enhancement of human rights in South Africa.