Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR)

Snippets from our interview with Austin Gormley , Ambassador of Ireland to South Africa It was a true privilege to see democracy in action I am delighted to see women taking control by monitoring actively and creating peace forums. It’s a practical expression of how women are contributing back to their community and the South African democracy. I wish women of South Africa continue to play a strong role in protecting SA’s democracy and advocating for peace and harmony at a community level. #WOMEN #WEMP #IJR Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/drd9KP4Z

Women, Gender And Youth Inclusion In South Africa’s Second Government Of National Unity South Africa’s 2024 national and provincial elections saw the African National Congress (ANC) obtain 40% of the vote, and lose its once unassailable majority. No party won a sufficient majority to be able to form a government. This necessitated the formation of a coalition government. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 2024 National and Provincial Election result as a “victory for democracy.” He noted that the election results indicate “that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs” This refrain served as justification for the establishment of a coalition comprising 11 political parties, dubbed the second Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa (the first in 1994). The first GNU was regulated by the then interim Constitution and prescribed that all parties with support above a threshold of 10% would be entitled to a seat in the Executive and that the public service and existing public servants would retain their posts for a period of at least five years and be granted their perks. The current GNU is a voluntary agreement, though underpinned by a written coalition agreement. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dZJhzMGs

Here is the latest article I co-authored with Dr. Webster Zambara at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), in which we examine the situation in the DRC and what the SANDF is up against in the form of the M23 rebels, in light of the recently released damning United Nations Group of Experts report on the DRC. We argue that the departure of United Nations forces, given the current surge in rebel activities and territorial gains by groups like M23 in the DRC, may have been ill-thought-out, as evidenced by the unpreparedness of the DRC government to provide the much-needed security and humanitarian support. Here is the full link to the article: https://lnkd.in/d8mkkkWm #DRC #SANDF #M23Rebels #UNReport #ConflictResolution #HumanitarianCrisis #Peacekeeping #Security #Africa

Snippets from our interview with H.E Goodluck Jonathan: - All African leaders have an interest in what goes on in South Africa’s elections. - Democracy in Africa is not dead. Democracy has come to stay and it is growing. - Women in Africa are generally hard working, they need to participate more in democracy and all sectors. #SAElections #WEMP Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/dyZSiykP

📢 SAVE THE DATE: Webinar on "Peace and Democracy in Africa: Media Perspectives" July 31, 2024, 12:00 PM (SAST) In Africa, where efforts to consolidate democracy are faced with ongoing challenges, the media's role is crucial. Hosted by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, this webinar will explore how media can support or hinder peace and democracy. However, the media landscape is diverse and fraught with challenges, including issues of press freedom, media ownership, and the spread of misinformation. The #IJR will host this engaging and insightful webinar, bringing together distinguished media and communications professionals from various African countries to discuss the critical role of media in upholding #peace and #democracy, based on examples of their own work. MODERATOR: Mwanja Ng'anjo SPEAKERS: Kate Lefko-Everett, IJR Adam Alqali, Nigeria Baboloki Semela PhD, Botswana Byron Adonis Mutingwende, Zimbabwe Charles Mangwiro, Mozambique Doreen Nawa, Zambia Nande Mbekela, South Africa 🔗 Register today:  https://lnkd.in/dBU4KKMi

We are pleased to share with you the latest edition of the IJR's Lens on Africa – bringing you in-depth analysis, opinion pieces and thoughtful commentary on issues affecting our continent. In this issue: - Humanitarian Crisis in Central Sahel and the Fight for Survival -Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s Fight Against Violent Extremism, by Silverio Gabriel - The Russo-Ukraine Conflict and Western Interests: What Direction for Africa? by Justin Steyn Read More: https://lnkd.in/dPkjckBg #IJRLENS #Africa

To commemorate #MandelaDay, yesterday we hosted the screening of Ntombikayise Kubheka – The Bones of Memory. The documentary narrates a story of Ntombi, an anti-apartheid activist and senior ANC member who was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by the South African Police in 1987. In the film, her daughter Thuli, who is now 40 years shares her struggles that have been caused by the brutal killing of her mother. The murder of Ntombi left Thuli without a mother, leaving a void in her heart that she will never be able to fill. As an adult woman, Thuli still longs for the warmth of her mother’s love that was violently taken away from her. Despite the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) that sought to begin the journey of healing and reconciliation from our gruesome past, many families like Thuli still seek for closure of what happened to their loved ones. Bones of Memory, tells one of the many untold stories about how the legacy of apartheid is still felt by those who were victims of the inhuman regime.  We would like to thank the producer of the film, Enver Samuel for the amazing work and telling the difficult stories we seldom hear about. #MandelaDay2024 #IJR #RECONCILIATION

As we commemorate Mandela Day in 2024, we also reflect on South Africa's incredible 30-year journey of democracy. In 1994, our nation chose unity and hope, setting the foundation for a democratic and inclusive society our Constitution envisions. Despite the strides that have been made to create a better South Africa for much more still needs to be done. This year’s Mandela Day is celebrated under the theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” This is a call for all of us to make an effort to build a nation that is equal and inclusive. We are reminded that our work of helping to build just, fair, democratic and inclusive societies continues, as undoubtedly, many inequalities still exist, leaving much more to be done in terms of service to others. Poverty and injustice deprive others of enjoying their inherent right of human dignity as enshrined in our Constitution. On this Mandela Day, let us honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy and his belief in the power of collective action. As Mandela said, “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. Let us turn this call into meaningful action within our lives and communities. Join us in celebrating Mandela Day 2024 by making a positive impact through initiatives that support building fair, democratic, and inclusive societies. Together, we can build the society that Nelson Mandela dreamed of. #ItIsInYourHands

Civil society is calling on the African Union and delegates of African States to lead the way for safer nuclear energy development, better protection of children, and fewer opportunities for nuclear-armed states to threaten disarmed nations. Experts from various institutions collaboratively developed three policy briefs in support of the African Peace Mission and Ukraine Peace Formula. These briefs address UN reform, the safety of nuclear power stations, and the protection of children during armed conflicts. “The African Peace Mission and Ukraine Peace Formula: Strategic Engagements on Regional Security, Nuclear Safety, and Human Rights” side-event takes place on 18 July in Accra, ahead of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. #Peace

Discover the impactful work of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation! We design interventions that combine research, dialogue, capacity-building, advocacy, policy advice and implementation support to drive meaningful change. Interested in learning more? Check out our annual reports at: https://lnkd.in/d5tdiqUX #Justice #Reconciliation #ImpactfulChange #IJR