Dr Motsoko Pheko was a champion for justice and freedom, celebrated for his contributions as a Member of Parliament in challenging colonial narratives and promoting African perspectives. His legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to pursuing justice and the rights of the dispossessed and landless. The South African Parliament recently mourned his passing, recognizing his unwavering dedication to the nation and its citizens. As parliamentarians continue to carry the beacon of justice, Dr Pheko’s legacy serves as a reminder of the steadfast commitment required to advocate for equality and freedom.
SALGA, a South African Local Government Association, advocates for increased funding to enhance the financial viability of municipalities nationwide. While the allocation of R177 billion to local government seems hopeful, SALGA contends that it is far from sufficient, especially considering the substantial infrastructure backlogs municipalities are facing. The Standing Committee on Appropriations recommends forming publicprivate partnerships with local governments and rallying local businesses to attract local investment to improve financial wellbeing. SALGA endorses the deployment of smart meters to benefit municipalities and fight for the rights of the unheard.
Anneline Kriel is a former beauty queen from South Africa who won the title of Miss World in 1974. After a successful career in acting and modeling, she now resides in Mauritius with her partner and runs a swimwear brand with her daughter. Kriel continues to voice her concerns on issues close to her heart and plans to produce a documentary about her Miss World experience. Her journey from global stardom to blissful serenity is truly inspiring and a testament to her resilience.
Wendy Williams, the American TV host, has become an advocate for people with cognitive health challenges. Despite being diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia, Wendy and her team emphasize early detection and empathy to fight the stigma surrounding cognitive disorders. Wendy’s journey showcases courage, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. She is an inspiring woman who looks adversity in the eye and turns it into an opportunity to educate others about the importance of early detection and raise awareness about cognitive disorders.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola, has led a team of lawyers to present a case of genocide against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They accuse Israel of indiscriminately bombing and blockading Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 23,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children. The multinational team, including esteemed professionals in international law, human rights, and advocacy, aims to seek justice for victims and prevent further atrocities in the region. Leading figures in South Africa’s legal brigade include Professor John Dugard, Advocate Max du Plessis, and Advocate Adila Hassim.
The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce hosted the firstever summit for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa, bringing together sex workers and state authorities to discuss the highly charged topic. The aim is to readvance the bill for the decriminalisation of sex work to Parliament by March 2024, eliminating criminal charges against sex workers, legalising the purchase and sale of sex, and revoking all laws that criminalise sex work. The summit’s focal point was campaigns advocating for the rights of sex workers, including those addressing HIV prevention services and dismantling structural barriers.
Gender DynamiX (GDX) is a registered public benefit organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of transgender and genderdiverse individuals in Africa since its inception in 2005. Over the years, GDX has become a leading voice in the trans and genderdiverse movement in South Africa and beyond.
The Sony World Photography Awards 2023 recently honoured visual storyteller LeeAnn Olwage with the firstplace award in the professional creative category for her photography series, The Right to Play. Olwage’s work creatively explores the transformative impact of education and empowerment on young girls, using photography as a powerful tool for cocreation and celebration.