Category: News

56

Critical Conversation: Solidarity in Funding Practice

After its final meeting for the year in October, our Board welcomed partners to engage in a dialogue with philanthropic organisations and embassies about supporting voice and agency. A lively debate with the 30+ participants was enriched with strong input from Vuyiswa Sidzumo from the Ford Foundation, Bheki Moyo from the Centre for African Philanthropy and Social Investment at Wits, and Zanele Makombe from ACT Ubumbano. There were some firm challenges put to funders to interrogate how their practice enhances or hinders solidarity with community struggles. We hope to have the video of the Conversation ready for public access in the next few weeks.

Click here to see pictures of the event.

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57

Uhambo – the Journey

Each year the Church Land Programme, in partnership with Christian Aid, invites church leaders from the United Kingdom and Southern Africa to an exchange programme in KwaZulu Natal. This time of sharing provides an opportunity to engage with scripture and the realities of our current contexts, and enables reflection on global perspectives of social justice, and inspires us to reimagine and shape our social justice praxis. It is a journey of faith and solidarity, and it is called Uhambo – the journey. This year Zanele spent a week on this journey. You can see a few pictures here, and hopefully some reflections on this journey will follow in the future.

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58

Partner Profile – Women In Need Organisation

Women In Need Organisation was established in September 2020 by Dorothy Mabelebele, a like-minded individual who felt there was a void in communication within the communities of South Africa and International countries. While researching issues affecting Women and Children it was quite overwhelming to find out that Gender-Based Violence is the major issue affecting both Women and Children, both South Africans and Migrants. Women In Need Organisation is led by six black women from different backgrounds.

Click here to read more about Women In Need Organisation.

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59

Call for Grant Applications

The Other Foundation invites applications for grants from organizations in thirteen eligible southern African countries to support work that advances or defends the freedom, equality, and social and economic inclusion of homosexual and bisexual women and men, and transgender and intersex people.

The thirteen eligible countries from which grant applications will be accepted are Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The closing date for submission of applications is Sunday 22 October 2023.

Click here to read more and apply.

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60

In-Country Learning Hubs: Space for Reflection and Solidarity

The in-country Learning Hubs have proved to be interesting spaces for reflection among local activists and organisations working for social justice. The convenings in Matsapha, Swaziland and Johannesburg were followed by Hubs in Cape Town, RSA and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The Cape Town session had 18 participants from KwaZulu Natal and the three Cape provinces, as well as from Mozambique as we try to build new connections in that country. A very youthful Hub was facilitated by Zodwa Nsibande, Quincy Fynn, and Tomas Queface. In Bulawayo, Khumbulani Maphosa and Taurai Mafundikwa facilitated deep reflection with the 17 participants on the relationship between CSOs and the communities they serve.

All the Hubs generated interesting insights into the practice of social justice in different settings, and we plan to compile a report that would be of use to others who are committed to a practice of critical reflection and solidarity.

Click here to see pictures of the Hubs.

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61

Partner Profile – Gweru Residents Forum

Gweru Residents Forum is a social movement based in Gweru championing productive engagement between the service providers and communities in order to improve the quality of life of the heterogeneous citizenry. There are Community Coordinators located in the communities who monitor and advice community structures at the ward level. The organisation is involved in Policy research and analysis, community capacity building, knowledge management, creating of platforms for engagement between service providers and citizens. The organisation undertakes social accountability programs aimed at improving accountability in the manner in which services are provided.

Click here to read more about Gweru Residents Forum.

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62

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.

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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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63

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.

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