March Highlights: Human Rights Month

March was a powerful month of reflection, action, and celebration at Justice Desk Africa. As we marked Human Rights Day, we honoured the brave activists of the Sharpeville Massacre and the countless others who have fought for justice. But decades later, South Africa still grapples with Gender-Based Violence (GBV), police misconduct, xenophobia, inequality, and systemic discrimination—a reminder that the fight for human rights is far from over.

At Justice Desk Africa, we believe that empowered people empower people, and that knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them. This belief drove every initiative this month, from our Changemakers Workshop and multiple Human Rights Trainings in schools to the powerful Mbokodo Camp, where young women learned to advocate for their rights.

We also celebrated 12 years of championing human rights and everyday activism across Africa, growing from a single initiative to a movement spanning 53 Justice Schools in 9 countries! To continue this momentum, we launched a special birthday fundraiser in support of our Youth Ambassadors Conference, where young leaders will receive hands-on training to create lasting change.

A huge thank you to every donor, funder, hero, staff member, and volunteer who has been part of this journey. Because of you, we can continue empowering young leaders to defend human rights and build a more just world. Let’s keep pushing forward—together, we create change!

Western Cape Children's Commission Engagement

Nine of our Lead Ambassadors recently attended the Western Cape Children’s Commissioner Engagement, an inspiring gathering of young leaders driving change in their communities. Joined by Black Girls Rising, they shared their advocacy journeys, reflected on their impact, and discussed the importance of youth-led activism in shaping a just and inclusive future.

The event kicked off with an introduction from the Children’s Commissioner, emphasising the power of youth-driven advocacy. This was followed by a panel discussion, where our young changemakers shared what motivated them to take action and the real-world impact they’ve had.

Mbokodo Camp

Our Mbokodo Level 1 and 2 girls gathered in Glencairn for an unforgettable camp filled with reflection, growth, and sisterhood. The weekend kicked off with the ‘I Am ’Collage activity, where the girls shared their stories and reflected on their journeys. Solo journaling sessions encouraged gratitude, while team-building and trust exercises strengthened their bonds.

A sunny afternoon at the beach brought laughter, water play, and ball games, followed by an evening of marshmallow roasting around the fire—perfect for storytelling and connection.

BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER

GBV Training at Tembaletu Special School

We partnered with Octotel and Cell C to facilitate a powerful Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Training at Tembaletu Special School. Students with cognitive and physical impairments engaged in eye-opening discussions, exploring the different forms of GBV, including financial violence, a form of abuse many had never considered before.

With South Africa facing alarming GBV rates, education is one of the most powerful tools for change. By creating safe spaces for learning and reflection, we’re equipping young minds to recognise, prevent, and respond to GBV.

Human Rights Training

When young voices are heard, change begins! Justice Desk Africa conducted a Human Rights Training at Immaculata RC Girls’ High School, where students confidently voiced their perspectives and asserted their rights.

Through interactive discussions, they explored inclusivity, equality, and personal freedoms, showing a deep understanding of their rights and the power of self-advocacy.

Changemakers Workshop

Our 37 Justice Desk Africa Changemakers—graduates of the Youth Ambassador, iNtsika yeThemba, and Mbokodo programs—are stepping into mentorship roles!

At the Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Workshop, their passion, strategic thinking, and commitment to advocacy shone through as they explored mentorship, coaching strategies, and conflict resolution. These young leaders are the backbone of a growing movement for justice and change.

A big thank you to Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s Pro Bono Department for facilitating a session on the Bill of Rights, and for sponsoring the workshop.

iNtsika yeThemba Empowerment Session

The iNtsika yeThemba heroes came together for an inspiring second session filled with powerful lessons on leadership, rights, and social responsibility. Level 1 explored the Circle of Courage, emphasising the values of belonging, mastery, and independence as cornerstones of personal growth.

Meanwhile, Level 2 delved into the Bill of Rights and Basic Human Rights. Level 3 took on Activism, learning about its various forms and how to speak out for justice.

GBV Consular Workshop

Our Programs Manager, Nicholas Tlatlane, represented Justice Desk Africa at a GBV Consular Workshop alongside diplomatic missions and fellow NGOs. During the event, he built connections with representatives from 11 embassies and diplomatic missions in South Africa—including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, Australia.

These collaborations have strengthened Justice Desk Africa’s presence within global advocacy networks. By engaging with international partners, we continue to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and extend our mission of justice, human rights, and empowerment onto global platforms.