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Inaugural Meeting of the new Board of ACT Ubumbano

Following a public nomination process, we are happy to introduce the new Board of ACT Ubumbano. At its inaugural meeting in Johannesburg and online on 25 March 2021, Dudu Radebe, the Director of CREATE-CBR, was chosen as the Chair. Ashmeer Joseph is the Acting General Secretary of ELCSA and was selected as Deputy Chair. Janet Zhou, the Director of ZIMCODD, completes the Exco as Secretary. Other members are Laurel Oettle (Director of AFRA), Jessie Turton (Lecturer at University of Johannesburg), Barbara Kalima-Phiri (Executive Director of IMAGINE Global Initiative, EI), Roger Domingo (CEO of SPP), and Helga Jansen-Djaugberg (Independent Consultant). Uta Hergenröther from BfdW is an ex-officio member representing the European partners.

The founding Board spent some time handing over the reins to the new Board. They have played a crucial role in recent years of holding ACT Ubumbano throughout the process of becoming a legal being. We will always be grateful for the time commitment and hard work of Sonto Magwaza (ESSET), Moses Cloete (BMF), Ashmeer Joseph (ELCSA), Graham Philpott (CLP), Francesca de Gasparis (SAFCEI), Daniela Gennrich (WWSOSA), Uta Hergenröther (BfdW), Paul Tyler (Ziyo), Miriam Machaya (CA), and Jacqueline Ernerot (formerly of ACT COS).

Solidarity Action Proposals – temporary hold!

There has been overwhelming interest in our invitation for proposals from activists and organisations throughout the region. Our approach is to seek new partnerships and collaboration on social justice actions, and to cultivate these takes time. We will continue to talk to existing and potential partners throughout the year. For now, we ask for some time to process the proposals already received, so please hold off on your new submission until June. If you want any more information, please contact ashley@actubumbano.org.

APPLY: Join SAFCEI’s new Zambia Faith Leader Environmental Advocacy Training - 4 to 6 May 2021

SAFCEI will be hosting a NEW online Faith Leader Environmental Advocacy Training (FLEAT) in Zambia, 4 to 6 May 2021.

We are calling for applications from people of faith based in Zambia, particularly those in a position of leadership, who want to be involved in environmental advocacy to join this learning opportunity.

The FLEAT will provide a platform for common eco-justice action across Zambia and beyond.

Please note that this training will be held online from 08:30 to 13:00 over three (3) days for the first initial meeting due to Covid-19 restrictions.

This workshop will involve a process of learning, sharing and designing an advocacy plan collectively, with input from various advocacy and subject specialists. Issues of eco-justice: climate, energy, food, and local resilience will be on the agenda. Practical ethical eco-action will be part of the plans created.

If you want to join this faith leader eco-justice training and network building, please view selection criteria and application details here.

Please send your application form with supporting documents to Zainab Adams at zainab@safcei.org.za by 15 April 2021 at 12:00.

More information about previous FLEATs can be found here.

Ubumbano Partner Profile

Church Land Programme - Working in solidarity with the landless poor!

What is your core business?

The Church Land Programme (CLP) is an independent non-profit organisation that was initiated in 1996 in response to the land reform process taking place in South Africa. It works to affirm, learn from and journey with those who are systematically excluded and impoverished in their struggles related to land and justice. CLP connects with movements and groups to learn from and affirm their struggles as a key intervention in giving power to ordinary people. Working with grassroots formations is rooted in an animation approach which is about an emancipatory practice that ensures that those who do not count make themselves count. It is based on democratic values where egalitarianism is an underlying principle.

Click here to read full profile.

Ubumbano Voice

The stories below are written by activists and organisers working in communities across the region. Click on the links to read the stories from the Ubumbano Voice website, or download the Ubumbano Voice App from Google Play store for these stories and more.

Stampede after heist

On the 16th of March, a heist took place in Diepkloof Zone 5 next to Diepkloof Extreme Park. Unfortunately this happened whilst people were at the park... Read more

Disadvantages for the poor and advantages
for the rich

With South Africa having moved to level 1 of the lockdown and lockdown restrictions eased the country will be having local government elections... Read more