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Municipality-Based Youth Indaba 2025: Strengthening Youth Voices through Advocacy and Civic Education: March – June 2025
The Democracy Development Program (DDP), in collaboration with three KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, successfully hosted a series of community-based Youth Indaba conferences between March and June 2025. These gatherings were part of a broader initiative to empower young people, amplify their voices, and promote active civic engagement through advocacy and education.
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International Day of Education 2025: AI and Education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.
International Day of Education is an annual international observance held on January 24 and January 24, is held on January 24, is held on January 24, and is dedicated to Education. On December 3, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming January 24 as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for bringing global peace and sustainable development.
Reflections on democracy
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Dr. Adebimpe Esther Ofusori
Dr. Adebimpe Esther Ofusori is an Innovative Researcher and a lecturer. She had her Ph.D from University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. She contributes both nationally and internationally on matters that revolves round democracy and societal development through writing for the Democracy Development Programme in areas such as, women development schemes, Youth empowerment and politics. She is research oriented with publications and book chapters in highly reputable peer reviewed journals and has outstanding ability to work collaboratively with others.
Prof. Mogie Subban
Professor Mogie Subban is an academic and public governance expert based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her qualifications are B. Admin, Hons, Masters (Cum Laude), D. Admin. She has supervised several graduates with Honors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in various aspects of the field of public sector governance. She currently serves on numerous national and international journal boards, publishes widely on various public governance aspects in journals and books, including an evidence-based multi-layered case studies book funded by the EU: Public Administration Challenges – Cases from Africa.
We Are the Moment: Reimagining Youth Structures In Political Parties for a Stronger Democracy
In a country as complex and youthful as South Africa, the importance of young people in shaping democratic life cannot be overstated. With more than half the population under the age of 35, the future of democracy lies not in distant decades but in the energy, ideas and leadership of today’s youth. I write this as a young Black South African woman who was educated in a privileged private school, has worked in the marketplace for five years, and who has participated in and observed youth political structures during varsity.
Empowering Youth for Democratic Change: DDP/SJI Capacity Building Workshop
On 20 May 2025, the Democracy Development Program (DDP), in collaboration with the Social Justice Institute (SJI), hosted a Capacity Building Workshop at The Edward Hotel under the theme “Enhancing Government Accountability Through Citizens’ Advocacy and Social Activism.” Facilitated by Thobani Zikalala, the workshop brought together youth leaders and community representatives to strengthen their role in democratic governance and social change.
Dr. Nneka Akwu
Dr. Nneka Akwu is a distinguished researcher with expertise in biological sciences, genetics, and data analytics. Her postdoctoral work in medicinal plant research and preclinical drug development highlights her focus on natural compounds and their applications. She has contributed to the Democracy Development Program, integrating scientific innovation with public policy. Her extensive publications cover medicinal plant morphology, phytochemistry, essential oils, and green synthesis of nanoparticles. Dr. Akwu is committed to mentoring future scientists and policymakers, promoting responsible nanotechnology use for sustainable agriculture.
Empowering the Future: Youth Indaba in Folweni Township
On 2 May 2025, the RCCI Church in C Section, Folweni Township, South Africa, became the vibrant setting for a transformative event—the Youth Indaba. Organized by the Democracy Development Program (DDP) in partnership with the Njabulo Khwela Education Foundation (N.K.E.F), this first-of-its-kind gathering brought together young people from Folweni and surrounding areas to address one of the most pressing issues in their communities: youth unemployment.
Prof. Isaac Khambule
Isaac Khambule is a professor of political economy and the Director of the Africa Centre for Evidence at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He was previously an Associate Professor of Political Economy at the Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, where he taught Decision-Making in Public Institutions and was the Academic Head of the Executive Education Unit.
Empowering Communities Through Partnership: A Testimonial from EmpowerU
Organisation: EmpowerU Community Development Institute Representative: Melusi Mahlaba Phone: 081 430 9791 Email: mahlabamelusi@gmail.com Location: Lindelani Date: 15 May 2025
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.
Centre for Community Development: Strengthening Civic Engagement Through Inclusive Partnerships
Community Organization Representative Name Msizi Khumalo Phone Number 0633834876 or 0738419043 Email centreforcommunitydevelopment@gmail.com Location Durban, Umlazi Date 13 May 2025
Alternative politics and liberation technologies – Can civil societies leverage digital technology?
The term ‘civil society’ has been a trending component within the sociopolitical arena. While consisting of social institutions which are often branded as being apolitical with varying degrees of voluntarism, self-governance, and not-for-profit operation strategies (Salamon et al., 2004), they often find themselves tangled up in sociopolitical echo chambers. Although many institutions such as churches, social clubs or charities etc. may fall under this category, the main focus of this article is on the non-governmental and or non-profit organisations.
Global Economic Recovery and Resilience in a shock-prone system – Challenges and Opportunities for the G20
The advancement of globalization has led to an increase in network flows. This can be seen in the rise and expansion of trade blocs and alliances. These networks have since encouraged state interdependence and subsequently impacted their domestic economies. Whether informational, physical or financial, these network flows contribute to the global economy. The Group 20 (G20) is one such example that can showcase the network flows and their impact on the global economy.
The Future of Human Rights of Immigrants in a Changing World Order
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a foundational document adopted by the Nations General Assembly on 10th December 1948. It defines 30 essential human rights that are generally applicable to all individuals, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion. The UDHR is a foundational basis for global human rights legislation and practices. [1]
Strengthening Institutional Advocacy: Anti-Corruption Effectiveness of Civil Society in South Africa
Corruption is pervasive and undermines democratic governance, economic development, and social justice worldwide. In South Africa, corruption has significantly eroded public trust in institutions and hindered efforts to achieve sustainable development (Mungiu‐Pippidi, 2023). Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role in addressing corruption through advocacy, policy engagement, and grassroots mobilisation.
G20 and Digital Transformation in South Africa: Reforms, Threats, and Opportunities.
The Group of Twenty (G20), an international forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union, represents the world’s largest economies (Hajnal, 2019). While South Africa is the only African nation in this influential group, its role provides a unique platform to address global economic challenges, including digital transformation. Digital transformation is the integration of digital technologies into all areas of society, economy, and governance. South Africa, as a country grappling with economic inequality, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, digital transformation offers both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges.
Mechanisms for protecting whistleblowers in South Africa - Whistleblowing in South Africa: An Overview
Corruption remains pervasive in South Africa, affecting both public institutions and private entities. Despite the country's rich resources and a constitution that promotes transparency and accountability, the reality is that corruption has deeply entrenched itself in various facets of governance and business. High-profile scandals involving government officials and corporate leaders have marred South Africa's reputation on the global stage, leading to diminished public trust and economic instability.
Dr Adelaid Karomo
Over the past four years, Adelaide has been part of the Transformation Office at Nelson Mandela University, where she has led advocacy and training initiatives within the Equality Promotion and Social Inclusion (EPSI) portfolio. Her engagement in this role includes participating as a panellist at symposiums, presenting public lectures, and facilitating community dialogues on social justice issues.
The Role of Parliamentary Oversight in Promoting Better Service Delivery in South Africa
Effective service delivery is a cornerstone of any democratic government. In South Africa, a nation still grappling with the lingering effects of apartheid-era inequalities, ensuring quality service delivery to all citizens remains a critical and often contested terrain. One of the vital mechanisms designed to promote accountability and enhance public service performance is parliamentary oversight.
The Role of Young People in Cultural and Democratic Transformation Through Participatory-Based Approaches in South Africa
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has embarked on an ambitious journey of cultural and democratic transformation. The transition to a democratic society marked a pivotal shift from a history rooted in racial segregation and authoritarian rule to one striving for equality, inclusivity, and social justice. The new democratic dispensation introduced a constitution that enshrines human rights, promotes cultural diversity, and emphasizes participatory governance.
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Miss Thabisile Miya
I have been able to break down complex civic issues into manageable content that sparks engagement and involvement for our audience. I have also contributed research and online engagement on election awareness, the July 2021 unrest, etc. - Thabisile Miya, I contribute thought leadership articles on various policy issues and I am a Masters in Governace and Public Policy at the University of Witwatersrand’s school of governance.
