Blog Archives | Page 8 of 9

‘If we have to go to the police station, the war is already lost”

By Nontshi Shange South Africa is known for many things, including the Rape Capital of the world, raising an endless amount of concern. Between the years 2015 and 2019, 41 000 cases of sexual assault were reported in Kimberley, South Africa. Activist and local Tremaine Barnes, from the woman2woman organization, sang of the never-ending nightmare women face in her song “41 000” during a panel discussion she facilitated on 17 December 2020. Listen Here: Accountability Lab · Kimberley Accountabili [...]

‘If we have to go to the police station, the war is already lost”Verashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:46:35+00:00

“When you are a teacher you see the fruits of the seeds you have planted while you are still alive.”

“When you are a teacher you see the fruits of the seeds you have planted while you are still alive.” This is what has brought 2019 Integrity Icon, Moshalagae Malatji joy throughout her education career. Rinae Sikhwari was in conversation with this dedicated educator for the final installment of Accountability Lab South Africa’s, “Meet the Icon” webinars. The webinar took place on the 17th of December 2020. The conversation was an inspiring and authentic exchange between Moshalagae and Rinae. Ind [...]

“When you are a teacher you see the fruits of the seeds you have planted while you are still alive.”Verashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:46:22+00:00

Conversation Lab: Fixing Local Government

By Nontshi Shange The year 2020 marks a year that no South African will forget. In the face of a pandemic, we as a nation have had to rely on all levels of government to lead us and place us as citizens first. Many have been in hopeless situations due to the effects of the Covid-19 virus and the associated lockdown. So South Africans were crushed to hear that R500-billion in Covid-19 social relief funds were allegedly looted. As voters prepare for the 2021 local government election, how can w [...]

Conversation Lab: Fixing Local GovernmentVerashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:46:49+00:00

Men talk GBV in Mpumalanga, and how they can be the change

By Nontshi Shange When discussing gender-based violence, it is important to consider masculinity. The toxic traits young boys learn on the road to becoming men, will ultimately affect women. This topic is often down-played when discussing gender-based violence and the onus is placed on women to keep themselves safe. However, at the Lydenberg Accountabili'tea discussion, the importance of educating boys on how to become men who will grow society and respect women, took center stage. The event was [...]

Men talk GBV in Mpumalanga, and how they can be the changeVerashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:47:00+00:00

Jocelin Flank fights for the next generation of firefighters

By Farai Savanhu “I am paying it forward. I am paving the way for someone to have it easier than I did.” This was the main theme of the discussion with 2018 Integrity Icon, Jocelin Flank. The passionate fire-fighter was in conversation with youth activist Pearl Pillay for the fourth installment of Accountability Lab South Africa’s, “Meet the Icon” sessions. The webinar took place on the 26th of November 2020. Join us this week Thurs at 5pm - 6pm for our next Meet the Icon webinar. Activist and [...]

Jocelin Flank fights for the next generation of firefightersVerashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:47:13+00:00

DEBATE: Should SA demolish provincial governments?

By Nontshisekelo Shange Local elections are scheduled to go ahead in 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. There have been calls for the local government elections to be merged with the 2024 national elections due to safety concerns caused by the Coronavirus. The IEC has been in ongoing conversations with the department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs with regards to possible dates. But merging these elections can cause issues for some municipalities that require effective change. B [...]

DEBATE: Should SA demolish provincial governments?Verashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:40:17+00:00

Youth politics… without the political parties: could it work?

By Nontshisekelo Shange South African politics is shifting. There now exists the potential for political players to leave behind larger parties without joining or forming another one. On 11 June 2020, the Constitutional Court declared the Electoral Act, 1998 unconstitutional to the extent that it prevents independent candidates from running for public office. This would allow political candidates to run for the presidency without having to be affiliated with a political party. This changes the f [...]

Youth politics… without the political parties: could it work?Verashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:40:31+00:00

Is voting enough?

By Nontshi Shange The Coronavirus pandemic has brought to light many of the cracks in South Africa’s governing systems. Although South Africa is no stranger to corruption, the looting of state funds, the failure to supply the community with food parcels, hand sanitizers, and face masks, have shown low-income communities that they can only rely on themselves during the pandemic. On 20 November 2020, the Clermont community was joined together by Shakespear Baleni, an Activator and community leade [...]

Is voting enough?Verashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:47:26+00:00

SA’s youth voice: Accounting for accountability

By Tsholanang Rapoo On Friday, 13 November Accountability Lab hosted their second Conversation Lab, on youth activism featuring panellists Shaeera Kalla, Kokoetso Moeti, and Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. The panel was moderated by Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. The discussion tackled topics such as inequality, youth unemployment and university activism. Koketso Moeti, Executive Director of amandla.mobi, warned against “rockstar activism”. “It is tempting when one is organising… to think that one’s self, [...]

SA’s youth voice: Accounting for accountabilityVerashni Pillay2021-01-28T18:47:43+00:00

A younger, intelligent global youth will “light the way”

From the 1976 Youth Uprising to #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall, the youth of South Africa has had a prominent voice in the advancing of South Africa’s young democracy. But more still needs to be done. By Aarti Bhana How can the youth continue to fight for equal rights and resources for all, government accountability and a stronger democracy? That was the topic up for discussion at Accountability Lab South Africa’s second Conversation Lab, in partnership with the Danish Embassy in South Africa [...]

A younger, intelligent global youth will “light the way”Sheena2021-01-28T18:40:58+00:00