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Constitutional LawPublished 10 days ago1 min read

Section 13: No Slavery or Servitude - Your Complete Guide

Complete guide to Section 13 - the absolute right against slavery, servitude, and forced labour. Includes case law and exam tips.

Section 13: No Slavery, Servitude, or Forced Labour

The Right

Section 13 provides:

"No one may be subjected to slavery, servitude or forced labour."

This is an absolute right — no limitations clause applies.

What It Protects

  1. Slavery — Ownership of one person by another
  2. Servitude — Compulsion to provide services without consent
  3. Forced labour — Work imposed under coercion

Key Cases

  • SANDU v Minister of Defence (2007) — Military service obligations vs forced labour
  • Kylie v CCMA (2010) — Employment obligations vs servitude

Exam Tips

  • Section 13 is absolute — no justification for slavery/servitude
  • Distinguish from voluntary employment (which is consensual)
  • Link to Section 10 (human dignity)

Tags: #section13 #slavery #servitude #forcedlabour #billofrights

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