Former high court judge and LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Cameron will receive the Inaugural Isibindi Award for Champions of Social Justice, Equality and Dignity in Africa.
As reported by MambaOnline, the award recognises the courage and fearless efforts of an individual or civil society organisation towards ensuring the human rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups and individuals in society are protected and respected.
The award is presented by the Gateway Health Institute along with the support and endorsement of several human rights and LGBTIQ+ activists and organisations.
According to Dr. Coenie Louw, Executive Director of Gateway Health Institute, isibindi is an isiZulu word which means bravery and is the perfect description of how we as a civil society perceive Justice Cameron’s great work, living legacy, and humble personality.
“We are honoured, not only as an organisation, but as a community of activists and civil society organisations, by Judge Cameron’s acceptance of this award,” Louw continues.
“The fight for equality and dignity both in South Africa and the continent is far from over, we are emboldened and encouraged knowing that Edwin Cameron is still bravely fighting alongside us.”
Pierre Brouard, the Deputy Director of the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender at the University of Pretoria, agrees with Louw, adding that “Cameron’s social justice work is evidence of someone whose moral compass is set for true north.
“Our country needs people like him,” Brouard continues, explaining that Cameron’s work has “found the balance between bringing legal and constitutional change and yet at the same time seeing the innate dignity of everyone, no matter their station in life, or their sexuality or gender.
“Justice Cameron is a hero to many people, and rightly so. I hope this award serves as a reminder to him, and to the country, that he is loved, appreciated and acknowledged for his profound contribution to human rights,” Brouard concludes.
The Isibindi Award Ceremony will take place on Saturday April 4, in Johannesburg.
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