National Association of Democratic Lawyers

            The National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) was formed in 1987 out of the frustration of black South African lawyers.  They viewed white practitioners, even those involved in human rights, labor, and black public interest issues, as people who were determined to perpetuate their position of power and dominance in the profession.  NADEL was one of the first organizations of its kind which was committed to democratic ways and non-racialist principles, and emerged with a black leadership and a predominately black membership of more than 600.  NADEL passed the following resolutions:

1. To pledge ourselves to work for a non-racial and democratic society in which the judiciary and the administration of justice are truly independent.
2. To campaign for prisoner of war status as provided for in the Geneva Protocol I, 1977.
3. To continue in the fighting traditions of the restricted organizations until a free South Africa dawns.
4. To identify with and actually participate in the people’s struggle.
5. To campaign against the death penalty.