#YVOTE4U CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES NATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 2026
Africa Day 2026 | Building the Africa We Want Through Justice, Equality and Freedom
On this day in 1963, African leaders came together to establish the Organisation of African Unity with a shared belief that Africa’s dignity, sovereignty, liberation, and future could only be secured through unity and collective action. Africa Day is therefore not only a celebration of our continent’s rich cultures, histories, and achievements, but also a reminder of the unfinished work of justice, equality, and freedom for all African people.
Communities Must Become the Frontline in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Our CEO, Phinah Kodisang recently spoke to eNCA on the persistent crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa following the release of the latest SAPS crime statistics. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for communities to become actively involved in preventing violence, reporting abuse, and supporting survivors, particularly as many GBV incidents continue to occur within homes and private spaces. Kodisang emphasised that ending GBVF requires collective action from families, communities, law enforcement, and society as a whole.
Protecting Learners Must Go Beyond Crisis Response
Soul City Institute commends the swift response by the Eastern Cape Department of Education following serious allegations of sexual abuse involving a teacher and learner at Nozuko Senior Secondary School. While the rapid intervention and commitment to investigate are welcomed, the incident highlights ongoing systemic failures in safeguarding children within educational spaces. As Child Protection Month is observed, Soul City Institute stresses that child protection must be proactive rather than reactive. We call for stronger vetting systems, regular safeguarding audits, accessible reporting mechanisms, and survivor-centred responses to ensure learners are protected at all times. Schools must remain safe spaces where children’s rights, dignity, and safety are upheld without compromise.
Soul City Celebrates Midwives, Nurses, and CHWs: Honouring the Spirit of Sister Bettina This May
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 5 May 2026 – This week, as the world marks International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May), Soul City Institute (SCI) proudly pays tribute to the unsung heroes on the frontline of women's and young people's health: midwives, nurses, and Community Health Workers (CHWs).
The Unfinished Struggle: Why Workers’ Rights Are Central to True Freedom
A Workers’ Day call to action highlighting how economic justice remains the missing link in South Africa’s freedom, with a focus on community-based and SRHR workers.
Soul City Institute's (SCI) Response on the decline in child and adolescent pregnancy rates
Soul City Institute (SCI) welcomes the recent findings published in the South African Medical Journal, which report a 16% overall decline in child and adolescent pregnancies between April 2021 and March 2025, and a significant 40% reduction among girls aged 10 to 14. This progress reflects the impact of sustained, multi-sectoral interventions aimed at strengthening prevention, protection, and access to information and services for children and adolescents.
Freedom Day and the Unfinished Work of Liberation: Investing in Young Women and Girls Is Urgent
Thirty-two years later, the paradox is stark: South Africa has some of the most robust legislation protecting women and girls - the Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide National Strategic Plan.
