Civil Society

latest news & developments
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948, but in this new era, we may be headed for the end of this global pact.

The Quiet Majority for Human Rights

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk highlights the Global Alliance for Human Rights, a united global movement connecting cities, youth, and civil society to champion dignity,…

History: The youth of 1976 demanded the right to learn. . . the youth of 2026 require the tools to thrive. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Africa’s Youth Need More Than a Voice; They Need Power

Nearly 60 percent of Africans are under the age of 25, but scale alone is not power. Investing in civic skills and practical advocacy infrastructure is vital to converting…

Perfect example: Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa at Eskom Rotek Industries as part of the national energy crisis committee's. Necom is the model to copy, having successfully ended load-shedding. Photo: Department of electricity and energy

Building a state beside a state

As presidential committees multiply and citizens take public services into their own hands, parallel structures risk bypassing South Africa's core governance systems instead of…

Kaylen Benjamin Healy

Three years ago, Kaylen Benjamin Healy walked into EleaThom Mentorship looking for guidance. Today, he is helping shape the futures of the next generation of aspiring lawyers,…

Matsetsebale wa ga Tleane

Matsetsebale wa ga Tleane is helping shape a generation of young South Africans who see leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility. As managing director of Agape Youth…

KZN provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Ad hoc committee consults witnesses ahead of second phase of hearings

The parliamentary committee is scheduled to hear evidence on corruption in the policing system until 20 February

The future of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beyond the March 2027 extension remains uncertain. Archive photo: Chris Gilili

Future of SRD grant uncertain, treasury says

The Universal Basic Income Coalition said the government’s proposals to link the grant to employment-related conditions could exclude eligible beneficiaries

Amendments to the Extension of Security of Tenure Act enable the formation of a land rights management board and land rights management committees to address tenure security, evictions, land rights disputes and land acquisition for settlement. Photo: File

No dignity in displacement: Tenure insecurity in the Winelands

The conditions of people who work and live in South Africa’s farms today have remained the same as under apartheid. Will the new amendments in legislation bring about change?

After effect of the Jagersfontein mine dam collapsed. Photo: Supplied

Five to finally face charges for Jagersfontein tailings dam disaster

The move comes nearly three years after the collapse of the diamond processing facility in the Free State

Buti Manamela’s appointment of three administrators has raised concerns from opposition parties and civil society about potential political interference. (@ButiManamela/X)

New higher education minister under fire for politically linked Seta appointments

Buti Manamela’s appointment of three administrators has raised concerns from opposition parties and civil society about potential political interference

(Graphic: John McCann)

National Dialogue gains inclusion as activists step in after foundations exit

The special project manager at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation said legacy foundations were talking to civil society on how to take the project back from the government and political…

Civil society movements survive. One is the Amadiba Crisis Committee, which has for years led a community-driven campaign against titanium mining in the Xolobeni area of the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape. Photo: File

Beyond NGOs: Why civil society will survive and thrive

Grassroots movements survive because they are driven by commitment, flexible, adaptable and hard to dismantle

President Cyril Ramaphosa.Photo: @CyrilRamaphosa/X

Ramaphosa: National Dialogue will launch ‘a million conversations’ about SA’s problems

President Cyril Ramaphosa put a brave face on Friday to legacy foundations and opposition parties boycotting a convention to kick off a National Dialogue on how to resolve South…

Political: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a decision aimed
at unity rather than imprisoning thousands of white people. Photo: File

National Dialogue: South Africa’s elusive search for a social compact

Critics wondered whether the convention would follow through with local ward talks and implement recommendations

Dialogue vs delivery: Many have criticised the National Dialogue as yet another ‘talk shop’ much like the Zondo state capture commission and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (above). Photo: File

Hijacked: National Dialogue faces a credibility crisis

The DA claims it was proven right to boycott the dialogue after Deputy President Paul Mashatile instructed ministers to attend the convention virtually