Voices for Accountability: Reflecting on the SJI Journey of Civic Empowerment

On 10 June 2025, the Social Justice Initiative (SJI) hosted a roundtable and project evaluation session at The Edward Hotel in Durban. The event was facilitated by Mbalenhle Mkhize and brought together key stakeholders and partners involved in the SJI-funded project.

The session was organized under the theme “Enhance Government Accountability Through Citizens Advocacy and Social Activism.” This theme reflects the project’s principal goal of empowering citizens, particularly the youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage meaningfully with governance structures and to advocate for transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

The primary objective of the roundtable was to evaluate the implementation and impact of the SJI project. This included a review of various components such as the inception workshop, radio talk shows, and capacity-building workshops. The evaluation aimed to assess how effectively the project has met its goals and how it has influenced both partner organizations and their broader constituencies.

This session was significant within the broader scope of the project as it provided a platform for reflection, learning, and feedback. The SJI Funded Project places a strong emphasis on participatory evaluation, valuing the insights and experiences of its partners. This approach ensures that programming remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of stakeholders.

Moreover, the project has played a critical role in building civic awareness among young people. By equipping them with a deeper understanding of community structures and their functions, the initiative has fostered a sense of active citizenship. Participants were encouraged to see themselves not just as beneficiaries, but as agents of change capable of holding government accountable and contributing to a more just and transparent society.