---

---

Thandeka Kathi is an attorney and activist based at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She is also currently completing a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford. Thandeka has played an instrumental role in advocating for the protection of human rights defenders. Her work has contributed to a landmark judgment on strategic litigation against public participation (or SLAPP suits) by mining companies against journalists and environmental activists in South Africa. Thandeka has not only contributed to nationwide research on the threats experienced by activists at the hands of both state and private actors but is working towards advocating for protections for human rights defenders in our law. Thandeka continues to support individuals and community groups facing unfounded and costly litigation as well as personal attacks simply for exercising their human rights and those of their communities.