Christine Reddell and Junaid Francis, CER Interns 2011
Interships and fellowships
The Centre prioritises training and capacity-building for environmental law within the NGO sector through an internship and fellowship programme, in partnerships with NGO stakeholders, professional associations, local universities and international institutions.
The Centre’s interns work closely with attorneys and are regarded as part of the work team. They are expected to take responsibility and initiative in a responsible way, but attorneys are also expected to teach and guide the interns so that they leave the Centre with a sound understanding of the challenges faced by civil society in realising their environmental rights. Most of our legal interns go on to do articles for admission as attorneys.
- “It was an immense privilege to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Centre. The kinds of matters that are being challenged by the Centre, the talent and passion with which they are pursued, and the creativity and commitment of its leaders has been both encouraging and exciting. I am grateful to have played a small part in this work and have gained immensely through the legal insight and practical training I received there. I wish the Centre well in all its endeavours with the certainty that it will play a pivotal role in the realisation of environmental rights far into the future.” Olivia Rumble, volunteer Legal Intern 2010
- “The CER has provided with me an opportunity to expand my skills base. I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to work with excellent professionals and learn as much as I can. I enjoy the prospect of travelling across South Africa and interacting with various communities.” Junaid Francis, Environmental Management Intern and Project Officer, Promoting Participation Programme, 2011
- “Working at the CER was an incredible learning experience. Gaining practical experience in matters related to my university course work completely enriched my university learning. The CER is an immensely important organisation that is fulfilling a crucial role in civil society. I feel very privileged to have been a part of the CER and I will continue to follow their work and experiences with a keen interest.” Christine Reddell, Legal Intern 2011
- “The Centre for Environmental Rights internship has been an amazing opportunity to begin to understand the environmental challenges facing individuals and communities within South Africa. It’s good to know that there are people fighting the good fight against maladministration and bad practices undertaken by companies and government. I wish them the best on their endeavours and I hope I don’t ever come up against them!” Michael Lowman, Legal Intern 2012
- “The Centre for Environmental Rights has a very nurturing and at the same time highly professional environment. This was very important for me because this was my first official professional appointment. The experience has also allowed me to assert my interest in the field of environmental law and the environmental sector as whole.” Matome Kapa, Legal Intern 2012
In 2010, the Centre hosted four volunteer interns:
- Claire le Roux (LLM student at University of Cape Town)
- Sibongile Kotela (Diploma in Environmental Management student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology)
- Unathi Sobekwa (Diploma in Environmental Management student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology)
- Olivia Rumble (LLM student at University of Cape Town)
In 2011, the Centre employed two paid interns:
- Christine Reddell (LLM student at the University of Cape Town), a legal intern on our Exercising Environmental Programme; and
- Junaid Francis (BSc Honours), a project officer on our Promoting Participation Programme.
We also hosted two volunteer interns, Kate Swart (LLM student at the University of Cape Town) and Ernst Muller (LLB student at the University of Cape Town).
2012 Legal Interns Michael Lowman and Matome Kapa surprised by standard CER issue bright pink punches.
In 2012, the Centre employs two paid interns:
- Matome Kapa
- Michael Lowman
We have just opened applications for legal interns for 2013.
The Centre also offers fellowships to self-funded volunteer international law graduates.