The Role of Civil Society in the Just Energy Transition in South Africa
Introduction The energy sector plays a crucial role in the [...]
Data for Governance Alliance launches advocacy manual and scorecard on access to courts to promote data-based efforts in Africa
The Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA), a consortium committed to promoting data-based advocacy and engagement between pan-African civil society organisations (CSOs) and African Union organs, has launched an advocacy manual and a scorecard on access to courts during COVID-19.
Remembering the struggle of women
August is Women’s Month in South Africa, a time when we pause to remember the sacrifices of women in the past, to build bridges in the present to ensure a better society for women in the future. It is important, however, to remember the stark realities that we face as women in South Africa and on the continent and around the world.
Unveiling South Africa’s Blue Light Brigade: Balancing Security and Accountability
In South Africa, the “Blue Light Brigade” has been a subject of ongoing controversy and debate. These motorcades, characterised by flashing blue lights, are intended to ensure the security and smooth transportation of high-ranking government officials, dignitaries, and VIPs. However, for some time now concerns have been raised about their impact on road safety, abuse of power, and unequal treatment under the law.
AU’s Network of think tanks for peace: an avenue for bringing the AU closer to the wider African public?
On 8 February 2023, the African Union (AU) launched the African Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) to enhance the strategic partnership between African epistemic community and AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) on areas of governance, peace and security. This came as a breakthrough after years of efforts to institutionalize the engagement of African CSOs in peace, security and governance work of the AU, one key avenue for bringing the AU closer to the wider African public.
Youth Day – 16 June 2023: Celebrating the Spirit of Our Youth
June 16th marks a significant day in the history of South Africa as the nation comes together to commemorate Youth Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and resilience of the country's youth in the face of adversity. It is a day that not only honors the past but also ignites hope for a brighter future. Let us reflect on the significance of Youth Day in South Africa and the enduring impact it has on the nation.
Fostering identity and belonging: Preserving cultural heritage in Calitzdorp
My name is Jo-Andri Shereldine Antonie, and I come from the small town of Calitzdorp in the Western Cape. As the youngest ambassador for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, I am deeply involved with the youth in my community, teaching them the Ikhaba râ, also known as the Rieldans. This indigenous dance holds great significance for me as it connects us to our Khoi and San ancestors. Despite the challenges we face as a community, the Rieldans is a unique aspect of our heritage that I am determined to preserve.
Countering violent extremism in Africa – “Shifting narratives on violent extremism in Africa”
Professor Cheryl Hendricks and Senior Project Leader, Amanda Lucey, recently travelled to Nigeria as part of the "Shifting Narratives on Violent Extremism in Africa" project, which aims to enhance evidence-based research on violent extremism in Africa.
Call for proposals to conduct 2023 South African Reconciliation Barometer Survey
The IJR intends to conduct a new round of the SARB survey in 2023. Proposals are invited from qualified service providers with demonstrated experience of conducting nationally-representative public opinion surveys in South Africa. The survey methodology is based on face-to-face interviews in multiple languages across all nine provinces in the country. The questionnaire consists of approximately 200 close-ended survey items (including questions and sub-questions), generally based on five-point Likert scales. The majority of these have been used to track reconciliation trends longitudinally over the past 20 years.
Human Rights Day & the Sharpeville Massacre: May we be Encouraged to be Unflinching and Unwavering in our Efforts for Justice & Equity
Human Rights Day is a public holiday that holds great historical significance and serves as a reminder of South Africa’s painful history. It’s a day that serves as a national moment of reflection and remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. On 21 March in 1960, black people participated in a peaceful protest against the Apartheid pass laws. The protest turned into one of the most catastrophic human massacres when the police force killed 69 people and injured over 180 people. This day marked a key turning point in South African history as it led to a strengthened armed struggle against the brutality and ruthlessness of the Apartheid regime.