The Centre initially commenced as a joint Rand Afrikaans University – University of Stellenbosch (RAU-US) initiative. However, apart from sharing the same name, the Centre at UJ in all respects operates distinct from the Centre at US, which has retained its own particular and limited focus and activities. The initial focus of the Centre was on labour law research and related activities. In recent years the social security component was added to the research and teaching activities of the Centre.

Mission

The articulated mission of the Centre is to drive the development of viable and sustainable labour law and social security (protection) systems to address inequality and bring about social justice in the developing world.

In fulfilling this mission, CICLASS strives towards:

the stimulation and facilitation of high-quality research in the areas of labour and social security law, with emphasis on a comparative and applied approach
the development of tailor-made teaching interventions
the rendering of appropriate forms of policy support