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A unique way of workingProtimos uses the law to create economic opportunity. We promote the rule of law, to allow mutually beneficial relationships between local peoples and the private sector to develop. Protimos supports the professional development of local lawyers, improving the legal system. In so doing, Protimos develops sustainable legal resources that enable communities to become active and effective participants in their own futures. We establish corporate certainty and, through targeted impact negotiation and/ or litigation, generate wealth in communities across southern Africa. Protimos’ work therefore lays the foundation for local economies to thrive.
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Our impact
Returning water to Mapeleng VillageProtimos established Lesotho’s first stand-alone Public Interest legal centre, the Seinoli Legal Centre (SLC). The village of Mapeleng lost access to running water after a dam was constructed. In 2012, the SLC obtained a judicial order obliging the government of Lesotho to provide water to the village. The community, after a hiatus of over ten years, had access to clean running water once more, allowing the local economy to grow. This precedent opens the door for the many other communities similarly affected to secure their own redress.
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Securing compensation to the Ha Lejone CommunityThe Ha Lejone community was displaced by the government in the 1990s to make way for the construction of the "Lesotho Highlands Water Project”. The community was owed compensation for their relocation; however this money remained outstanding for over fifteen years. In 2014, Protimos secured a judgment stating that the government had to pay the compensation once promised. The money will fund local infrastructure projects and small business enterprises. There are a further 63 communities similarly affected, who can now use this precedent to secure their overdue compensation.
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Building a bespoke judicial knowledge-sharing platformWe aim to assist judges across Africa in sharing their insight and experience of emerging international law, such as Free Prior and Informed Consent (“FPIC”). At present seven senior judges are members of the Judicial Advisory Group (JAG); the platform will be formally launched when membership reaches ten.
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