Hlanganisa Community Fund

02/06/2026

We are proud to see the work of our Sisterhood Advocates featured in the latest Social Employment Fund learning brief,. Through the support of the SEF, Hlanganisa has partnered with 32 community-based organisations to train and empower 1,904 women as Sisterhood Advocates across the Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.

We thank the Social Employment Fund Industrial Development Corporation , our community partners, and every Sisterhood Advocate who continues to be a voice for survivors and a force for justice. Read the full article below.

Learning Brief: Building Safe, Resilient and Flourishing Communities

South Africa’s safety challenges are deeply connected to unemployment, inequality, social exclusion and gender-based violence. Yet across the country, community-based organisations are demonstrating that meaningful change is possible when local knowledge, partnerships and opportunity come together.

Our latest learning brief, Building Safe, Resilient and Flourishing Communities, shares insights from the Social Employment Fund (SEF) and the organisations working on the frontlines of community safety. From supporting survivors of GBVF and protecting children, to creating employment pathways and strengthening social cohesion, these stories show the power of community-led action.

The brief highlights lessons from organisations including StellCARE, Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social and Gender Justice, Africa!Ignite, HIVSA and the Small Projects Foundation, while exploring how collaboration between government, civil society and communities can create lasting impact.

A key takeaway? Investing in people is investing in safer communities. When individuals are equipped with skills, opportunities and support, they become powerful agents of change within their own communities.
Download the learning brief to explore the stories, lessons and innovations shaping community safety across South Africa.

Click here to read more: Learning Brief: Building Safe, Resilient and Flourishing Communities

South Africa’s safety challenges are deeply connected to unemployment, inequality, social exclusion and gender-based violence. Yet across the country, community-based organisations are demonstrating that meaningful change is possible when local knowledge, partnerships and opportunity come together.

Our latest learning brief, Building Safe, Resilient and Flourishing Communities, shares insights from the Social Employment Fund (SEF) and the organisations working on the frontlines of community safety. From supporting survivors of GBVF and protecting children, to creating employment pathways and strengthening social cohesion, these stories show the power of community-led action.

The brief highlights lessons from organisations including StellCARE, Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social and Gender Justice, Africa!Ignite, HIVSA and the Small Projects Foundation, while exploring how collaboration between government, civil society and communities can create lasting impact.

A key takeaway? Investing in people is investing in safer communities. When individuals are equipped with skills, opportunities and support, they become powerful agents of change within their own communities.
Download the learning brief to explore the stories, lessons and innovations shaping community safety across South Africa.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4ucxYTd

01/06/2026

Workers' Month may be behind us, but the conversations about dignity, equality, and economic justice must continue.

In her latest thought leadership article, The Gender Pay Gap and the Backlash Against Women's Rights: A Test of Our Constitutional Commitments, Bongiwe Ndondo reflects on how persistent gender inequalities continue to limit women's economic participation, earning potential, and access to power, despite the progress made through decades of labour rights advocacy.

As we celebrate the gains of workers' movements, we must also confront the realities that continue to undermine equality in the workplace and beyond.

Read the full article on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hlanganisa-institute-of-development-southern-africa_workersmonth-economicjustice-genderequality-activity-7467211140004085760-_eGI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADrhazEBtd9FO5Qp6N7JR3OeyTTxoCpqh8U

01/06/2026

In Loving Memory of Sewela Selepe

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Sewela Selepe, a dedicated Sisterhood Advocate and passionate community activist, who passed away on 22 May 2026.

Sewela joined the Social Employment Fund (SEF 4) programme on 10 July 2024 through Mamadi Advice Centre in Taaibosch Groot, Ga Mamadi. Throughout her time as a Sisterhood Advocate, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving her community, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). She was more than an advocate, she was a trusted voice, a source of support, and a beacon of hope for many women and community members. Through awareness campaigns, community engagements, and advocacy efforts, she worked tirelessly to challenge the culture of violence, promote the rights of women and girls, and create safer spaces for vulnerable members of society.

As the Hlanganisa Community Fund family, together with our partners, Sisterhood Advocates, and the Mamadi Advice Centre, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and community during this difficult time.

We honour Sewela's life, her service, and her commitment to social justice. May her soul continue to rest in peace.

Industrial Development Corporation Social Employment Fund

26/05/2026

Meet our Grassroots Wednesday speaker, Mr Solomon Modungoa Malakoane, also known as “The People’s Advocate” a community leader, social justice advocate, and Founder of the Ubuntu Legal Advice Centre.
With a strong focus on access to justice and community empowerment, Solly has supported countless individuals through labour disputes, legal referrals, and social justice matters. His work through community advice offices continues to strengthen accountability and improve access to labour justice for vulnerable communities.
He is a former recipient of the Hlanganisa Msasa Award for Good Governance and Accountability, Mr Malakoane brings extensive grassroots experience in labour mediation, legal support, and advocacy.

Wednesday, 27 May 2026
11H00 – 13H00
Microsoft Teams

Register here:https://lnkd.in/dA8dUbGA

26/05/2026

Meet our Grassroots Wednesday speaker for tomorrow, Edward Chidombe Msiska Executive Director of Youth Initiative for Community Development (Malawi) and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, community development, and social justice.
Edward’s work focuses on strengthening youth participation, advancing community-led development, and supporting inclusive approaches to social and economic justice across Malawi. His experience in grassroots mobilisation and community engagement continues to drive meaningful change for young people and underserved communities.

Wednesday, 27 May 2026
11H00 – 13H00
Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register here:https://lnkd.in/dA8dUbGA

26/05/2026

Meet our Grassroots Wednesday speaker for tomorrow, Hameda Deedat, a labour researcher and advocate with extensive experience in workers’ rights, gender justice, and climate justice.
Currently supporting the leadership of SATAWU, she previously served as Executive Director of Naledi, COSATU’s research arm, becoming the first Black woman to hold the role. Her work focuses on labour justice, the just transition, and advancing dignity and equity for workers.
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
11H00 – 13H00
Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dA8dUbGA

25/05/2026

Meet our speakers as we unpack: “Understanding Labour Laws and Workers’ Rights in Our Communities: Advancing Labour Justice Through Community Advice Offices and Paralegals.”
Join us for this important conversation on workers’ rights, labour justice, and the critical role of community-based support systems in advancing dignity, accountability, and decent work for all.

Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Time: 11H00 – 13H00
Location: Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dA8dUbGA

25/05/2026

Today, we proudly join the continent in commemorating Africa Day. As Hlanganisa. We are honoured to work across the region alongside partners who continue to champion social justice, democracy, access to justice, gender equality, and community-led change. Our regional footprint reminds us that meaningful impact is strengthened through solidarity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing dignity and justice across borders.

We extend our warmest wishes to all our partners across the region. Thank you for walking this journey with us as we continue building stronger, more equitable communities across the continent.
Happy Africa Day.

22/05/2026

Join us on our next Grassroots Wednesday as we explore how community-led approaches can strengthen labour justice, accountability, and decent work for all. This Workers’ Month, we unpack the theme: “Understanding Labour Laws and Workers’ Rights in Our Communities: Advancing Labour Justice Through Community Advice Offices and Paralegals.”
Workers’ rights are human rights, yet many workers particularly those in vulnerable and underserved communities continue to face exploitation, unfair labour practices, and limited access to justice. Understanding labour laws is not only about knowing your rights, it is about protecting dignity, promoting accountability, and advancing decent work for all.
We will explore the critical role of Community Advice Offices (CAOs), paralegals, and community-based organisations in supporting workers through labour rights education, mediation, advocacy, referrals, and dispute resolution.

Don’t miss out on this important discussion with our guest speakers:
• Mr Solly Malakoane – Director, Ubuntu Legal Advice Centre
• Hameda Deetad – Unionist Researcher, SATAWU
• Edward Chidombe Msiska – Executive Director, Youth Initiative for Community Development-Malawi

22/05/2026