By Johnathan Paoli
The Equality Court sitting at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has reserved judgement in a landmark case that could reshape the treatment of transgender inmates across South Africa’s correctional system.
Represented by the Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), Nthabiseng Mokoena, a transgender woman incarcerated at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, is seeking orders that would compel the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and health authorities to recognise her gender identity and provide appropriate medical care.
LHR attorney Nyeleti Baloyi said the ruling will be delivered electronically, though no date has been set.
“This matter is of critical importance in advancing the rights of transgender individuals, particularly those in vulnerable positions within the correctional system. It has the potential to set a national precedent for the treatment of gender-diverse people in South African prisons,” Baloyi said.
Mokoena told the court she has been subjected to degrading treatment since her
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