Afesis

Afesis is looking forward to the launch of the National Strategic Hub, which promises to bring transformative changes to local governance. We recognize the importance of such initiatives in fostering accountable, reliable and transparent governance and look forward to how this will support all efforts of community development. #localgovernment #servicedelivery #afesis #governance #communitydevelopment

Earlier this month, reflecting on three decades of democracy at the 30 Years of Democracy Gathering hosted by My Vote Counts at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg, Afesis Executive Director Nontando Ngamlana joined fellow activists and progressive organizations to explore what it truly means to #ReclaimOurDemocracy from below. Key takeaways presented from the plenary group included: 💡 Recognition of diverse struggles and the need to pursue a unifying campaign that connects us all. 💡 Building solidarity: understanding that it means showing up for and with each other in mass. 💡 Acknowledgment of the existing energy at the community level and that progressive movements must connect with and support these grassroots struggles to build from the bottom. We are excited to have gained so much insight and fostered meaningful discussions at this gathering.  Photo cred: My Vote Counts #democracy #reclaimingourdemocracy #socialjustice #buildingademocracyfrombelow #reimaginedemocracy

Today marks Day 1 of the National Urban Forum, hosted by the South African Cities Network, focusing on Urban Opportunities and Challenges. Afesis' Executive Director, Nontando Zintle Ngamlana is in attendance and on the panel, contributing to important discussions surrounding urban development. Join us in celebrating Urban October as we engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of our cities! 🌍✨ #UrbanOctober #NationalUrbanForum #SustainableCities #Afesis

Afesis is proud to have our Local Governance Program Officer, Unam Mlisana, participate in the 5-day training workshop hosted by Enhancing Accountability TAF. This workshop focused on utilizing social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) as a powerful tool to address corruption. Over the next five months, participants from civil society organisations and key institutions will receive expert coaching in SBCC strategies, gaining insights into combating corruption and pitching innovative project ideas. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of these collaborations in the fight against corruption in South Africa! #SBCC #AntiCorruption #LocalGovernance #Collaboration #Afesis

🌍 On #WorldHabitatDay, we reflect on the importance of human settlements in building sustainable futures. Housing is a cornerstone of human life, and it remains a basic human right. Together, we can build equitable cities where everyone has a place to call home. 🏘️ In your opinion, what are the most significant barriers to achieving inclusive housing in South Africa? #WorldHabitatDay #SustainableDevelopment #InclusiveHousing #Afesis #CommunityDevelopment

Today, we celebrate the unstoppable force of South African women— From fighting apartheid to breaking barriers in every field, their courage and resilience pave the way for a more equal and united nation. Here’s to the women who inspire change and build the future they want! 🇿🇦💪 #womensday

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has extended the due date for written comments on the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, 2024. Written submissions/comments may be submitted by email to Comments.coalitionbill@cogta.gov.za  no later than 31 August 2024. A copy of the Bill may be found here: https://lnkd.in/drT2ZtZC

Sophakama, a partnership project between Afesis, Equality Collective , Governance and Livelihoods Agenda (AgendaGL), and the Rural Democracy Trust, submitted Comments on Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2024 to The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Improving governance and accountability within local municipalities is crucial. Clear guidelines and structures are essential for enhancing transparency and ensuring effective service delivery. Read the full submission here: https://lnkd.in/gfiGBXQT #localgovernance #democracy

⚠️ One day left to comment! The Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Draft Bill, 2024, was published for public comment. This Bill proposes significant amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998. For the full text of the Bill: https://lnkd.in/drT2ZtZC Have your say and email your comments to Comments.coalitionbill@cogta.gov.za ❗Deadline: 31 July 2024 #CallToAction #AmendmentBill #Municipal

"We are finding increasingly in the sector that young, black leaders are battling mental wellness issues, which has forced us to reflect on the cost of the work on the person, on the safety mechanisms that the sector is able to provide both for ourselves as leaders and for our staff. It has forced us to think about culture as an integral core in our work. It's complex and a new way of working. We’re not holding space for these conversations to happen because we’re a sector that cannot afford. The sector looks different now than 18 years ago. The kinds of conversations these Fellows are encountering now forces the role of leadership to be shared and transferred in meaningful ways. Seeing this space, investment in emergence of leaders is exciting and necessary. The weight on the people sitting at the top is enormous – we cannot continue like this." - Nontando Zintle Ngamlana, Afesis [Cohort Six Closing Session, February 2024]