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What’s democracy without citizen participation?

This article presented by Grocott's Mail discusses the ongoing challenges in achieving meaningful citizen participation and accountability within South Africa's local municipalities, focusing on the case study of Makhanda. It highlights initiatives like the Action for Accountability project and the role of organizations like the Public Service Accountability Monitor in promoting civic engagement and addressing governance issues. It has been three decades since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, yet gaps between communities and government remain a talking point. The apartheid administration brought the blatant exclusive participation in governance, forcefully silencing a large portion of the population. However, the [...]

2024-04-19T17:17:14+00:0019th April 2024|

Unlocking Queer voices in South Africa

Queer Voices Unlocked (QVU) is inspired by Accountability Lab’s Integrity Icon campaign, honoring exemplary public servants by naming and faming them. QVU spotlights exceptional LGBTQI+ public servants championing positive change, breaking down barriers, and advocating for inclusivity. Celebrating their unwavering commitment to Queer rights, these role models tirelessly work towards visibility and representation at all levels of the public service. Our five winners, spanning diverse government departments, are featured in documentary films and podcasts. Led by and for the Queer community, this project aims to inspire people, foster understanding, and promote LGBTQI+ rights, leading to a more inclusive society. Why [...]

2024-04-19T16:35:13+00:0028th February 2024|

#PowerUp – Power cuts exacerbating inequities and deepening the digital divide

#PowerUp is a series of articles honing in on how South Africa’s electricity supply crisis is affecting young people. Written by Jaco Roets and Sara Hoenes Like many young students preparing for exams, Funeka Mpofu spends odd hours studying. However, for Funeka, his inconsistent hours are not by choice. Sweeping power cuts across South Africa are the worst they’ve been in more than two years. The blackouts (locally referred to as load shedding) are hindering the ability of young people to study and apply for jobs. For Funeka, this meant low scores on his college entrance exams, and another year [...]

2023-10-25T09:07:04+00:006th June 2023|

#PowerUp – Youth unemployment in Lenasia

#PowerUp is a series of articles honing in on how South Africa's electricity supply crisis is affecting young people. Written by Lerato Jiyane "It has cost me my job and my dignity." These are the words of a devastated 24-year-old, Vutlhari Khosa, a former employee at an internet café in Lenasia. The café closed down due to load shedding - an experience he describes as heartbreaking. Khosa is no longer able to afford basic household goods and his friends - who are currently employed - no longer treat him as they did before, as they feel he will now be [...]

2023-05-29T16:57:44+00:0029th May 2023|

#PowerUp – Food security in Umbumbulu

#PowerUp is a series of articles honing in on how South Africa's electricity supply crisis is affecting young people. Written by Thobeka Bhengu   In a statement on food security from 1983, the Food and Agriculture Organization said, "Every individual should have access to the basic food items which they need for a better lifestyle". South Africa is facing its biggest electricity crisis since planned power outages began in 2007. The problem is causing irreversible disruption in the security of affordable food. While the country is experiencing four to eight hours or more of load shedding per day, a looming [...]

2023-05-29T16:58:45+00:0029th May 2023|

Deekay Ndoni Sibanda — Activism through art and film

"When I say I’m an activist, I’m on the ground, I’m a street activist. I’m not sitting at a desk — I want to go where things are happening." “I call myself a human rights activist slash a queer rights activist,” says aspiring filmmaker and photographer Deekay Ndoni Sibanda, who is the 39-year-old programme officer for the Accountability Lab’s Integrity Icon campaign. The initiative seeks to highlight the often-overlooked good work that public servants are doing. She told Maverick Citizen that she is very passionate about media advocacy work because of her passion for documenting and narrating activist stories. Activist Deekay Ndoni Sibanda [...]

2022-12-01T00:44:49+00:0018th November 2022|
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