ArticlesMediacolonial legacies, cultural preservation, indigenous practices, Traditional healing practicesGATHERING AS RESISTANCE IN THE NAMA AND DAMARA COMMUNITYOpening vignette It was the middle of winter, and all nineteen of us sat in our polypropylene chairs - closely arranged, our eyes fixed on Ouma Dudu as she took out her bag filled with indigenous herbs and medicines from the Damara people. She unrolled each herb one by one, laying them out in her black bag. Some were stored… Read More Sinqobile MakhathiniJanuary 7, 2025
ArticlesMediaConflict-Related Sexual Violence, Gender-based Violence, Peacebuilding, Transitional JusticeAddressing the overlooked crisis of intimate partner violence in conflict zonesGiven the severity of conflict-related sexual violence during intra-state and inter-state conflicts in the last decade, transitional justice and peacebuilding efforts have directed resources to investigating this form of sexual and gender-based violence. They aim to create measures to both prevent and address the consequences of these atrocities. Notwithstanding the intention, the conventional understanding of conflict-related sexual violence is flawed… Read More Lesego SekhuJanuary 7, 2025
ArticlesMediaInequalities, Migrants and XenophobiaUnpacking xenophobia through the eyes of the informal minerMining has played a central role in the economic development of Stilfontein and the broader North West province of South Africa. Gold mining, in particular, has been a key industry in the region, shaping the economic landscape for much of the 20th and early 21st centuries. The cyclical nature of the mining industry is often at odds with the need… Read More Gugu Nonjinge and Sinqobile MakhathiniNovember 25, 2024
ArticlesMediaFood security, Inequalities, PeacebuildingFood, Safety, and Freedom: food security is a right not a privilege.Post-1994 South Africa came with a promise of democracy, freedom, security and equality entrenched within the constitution. Despite this promise daily food remains elusive to millions. South Africa’s agricultural sector contributes significantly to its economy, as it is one of the key exporters of maize, citrus and wine across Africa and other international markets. The disconnect between the country’s agricultural… Read More Naledi JoyiNovember 18, 2024
ArticlesMediaChildren and Youth, Gender dynamics, Inequalities, Paid work, unpaid workGender and the Bifurcation of Paid and Unpaid Care WorkThe 29th of October marks the International Day of Care and Support, and this year's theme focuses on transforming care systems to achieve Beijing +30. This occasion prompts us to critically examine the dynamics of gendered labour and the ongoing disparity between paid and unpaid care work in Southern Africa. According to the United Nations, unpaid care work encompasses all… Read More Sinqobile MakhathiniNovember 15, 2024
ArticlesMediaInequalities, LGBTQ+Decolonising "African values": The future of LGBTQ+ pride and rightsOctober marks Pride Month in South Africa. Historically, Pride in this country and, more broadly, the rest of the continent has been used for political advocacy, protesting against discrimination and political persecution, and reaffirming LGBTQ+ people’s rights. In the spirit of “leaving no one behind”, this year, our Pride agenda should include radical solidarity with LGBTQ+ people in other African countries who… Read More Lesego SekhuNovember 1, 2024
