From Mangochi to Matsapha – Swaziland and South Africa hold Learning Hubs
Activists and partner organisations in Swaziland and South Africa followed Malawi in holding their in-country Learning Hubs in August. In Swaziland, Musa Dlamini and Zakithi Sibandze facilitated reflections on the state of the country, and looked critically at the work being done by the 14 participants with youth and women on diverse issues like climate change, GBV, unemployment, and health justice. In Johannesburg, Ongeziwe Badli and Keamogetswe Seipato facilitated a similar number of 15 activists from 14 organisations, and they grappled with issues of gender, organising, justice, and activism and the compensation of activists.
Click here to see pictures of the Learning Hubs. Plans are advanced to convene Learning Hubs in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and one more in Cape Town to accommodate the more numerous partner organisations in South Africa.
Ford Foundation Save the Date: Film & Art Festival during 16 Days of Activism
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ACT Ubumbano’s 2023 planning session.
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Solidarity Hub Application Deadline 7th September 2023
The Solidarity Hub is a space where social justice activists are challenged to interrogate our own practice, to locate ourselves in the struggles of people against injustice, and to honestly and critically reflect where we have been complicit in perpetuating relations and behaviours that are not transformative and liberatory.
Click here to apply to attend the ACT Ubumbano Solidarity Hub happening in Johannesburg, South Africa on 24-26 October 2023. The final deadline is 12h00 SAST – Joburg time – on Thursday 7th September.
Faith Action Collective Consultative Process
Act Ubumbano is an active participant in the Faith Action Collective to End GBV, and was involved in a 3-day meeting in August that was a step in the process of developing a Joint Faith Sector Statement of Commitment. Diverse faith teams shared their insights on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) based on their sacred teachings in a context of deep, respectful listening to one another, and taking cognisance of the dynamics in each faith community. The draft statement will be further developed and taken through a broader consultation and validation process to allow diverse input, and will be adopted and launched at a Summit on 16 November 2023. With at least 6 faith traditions driving the process, this is expected to ignite a signature campaign where faith activists and leaders commit to concrete actions as a faith-sector contribution to ending GBVF.
For more information click here or email coordinator@wwsosa.org.za. Click here to see a few pictures.
Partner Profile – Alive Malawi
“We believe that we should not go where the path may lead. Instead, we go where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Alive is a Trans led organization. Whereas our work is mainly Trans focused we also involve other LGBTI persons as secondary beneficiaries. Alive was started in February 2009, initially as a youth LGBTI movement. It was registered in 2014 as a Community Based Organisation (CBO). It now embraces all age groups, but most of its members are young people.
Click here for more information
Partner Profile – Norwegian Church Aid
NCA was established in Zambia in 2002 and has since implemented programmes to empower the country’s citizens, particularly vulnerable women and youth. Through strong networks and alliances within Zambian civil society, including faith-based actors, NCA has upheld and protected people’s dignity and promoted their participation in the development of their country. For NCA, a rights-based approach to development and collaboration with civil society actors are the primary means to fulfil its mandate to strengthen civil society.
Click here to read more.
Gratitude and Goodbyes: Honoring Board Member Helga Jansen-Daugbjerg
We are very grateful to Helga Jansen-Daugbjerg for her contribution to the growth of ACT Ubumbano over the last two years. Her commitment to a deep solidarity was expressed in her critical contributions to our many discussions on how best to support local struggle. She always asked hard questions, and put forward new ways of thinking about our practice. Helga has resigned from the Board to devote time to pursue a PhD in English.