Thabazimbi, Limpopo | 16 July 2026 We may be African Ladies, but above all we are human beings. These powerful words echoed throughout a community dialogue in Thabazimbi, where African Ladies, government leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders came together to discuss health, human rights, safety and access to essential services. Hosted under the Karabelo GBV Response Programme, supported by SIOC Community Development Trust, the dialogue created a safe space for African Ladies to share their lived experiences, raise concerns and engage directly with decision-makers. The event reaffirmed that meaningful change begins when communities are listened to and included in shaping the solutions that affect their lives.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Led by the National Department of Health (NDoH) and supported by SIOC-CDT through the Karabelo GBVF response programme, Soul City Institute (SCI) will join government departments, civil society organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, social workers, human rights advocates, and representatives of sex worker-led organisations at the Dialogue on Human Rights, Health, Safety, Access to Services, and Economic Empowerment of Sex Workers, taking place on 16 July 2026 in Thabazimbi, Limpopo.
Akona Zibonti
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04 Jul, 2026
Are you a young woman who envisions a more just and equitable world? Do you long to be part of a sisterhood of changemakers committed to dismantling patriarchy and advancing feminist leadership? Soul City Institute for Social Justice invites you to join Cohort 3 of the FLAC Fellowship.
The Soul City Institute welcomes and supports the call by South Africa's Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, MP, for Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States to accelerate action towards achieving gender equality, women's empowerment, and the eradication of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
For many South Africans, elections have become synonymous with promises that are never fulfilled. Communities continue to grapple with unreliable service delivery, unsafe neighbourhoods, unemployment, inadequate housing, failing infrastructure, and limited opportunities for young people. Too often, election campaigns are filled with slogans and commitments that disappear once votes have been counted.
Thabiso B. Mathibedi
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05 Jun, 2026
The final day of the conference brought together final abstract presentations, partner reflections and commitments, and youth-led recommendations that charted a path forward for strengthening health and development interventions across the region. A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of meaningful youth participation. Young people called for greater inclusion in decision-making structures, active involvement in budgeting and policy formulation processes, and increased use of digital platforms to improve access, engagement, and accountability.
The Soul City Institute is taking an important step toward strengthening its institutional memory, improving collaboration, and deepening relationships across its broad network of partners, practitioners, and community stakeholders. As part of this process, SCI is currently building a comprehensive database of all individuals and organisations who have worked with, supported, or engaged with the institute over the years. This initiative is not just an administrative exercise, it is a strategic investment in connection, continuity, and collective impact.
We May Be African Ladies, But Above All We Are Human Beings": Thabazimbi Dialogue Calls for Dignity, Justice and Access to Services
