Witzenburg Justice Coalition
By Senzo Mboweni
Witzenburg Justice Coalition (WJC) was established in 2019 by a group of community members in Witzenburg and was formed in response to the high number of unresolved cases in the community and the failure of the justice system to address them. The coalition aims to empower individuals and show that they are not alone in facing challenges.
The organisation provides various services, including addressing the water crisis, which is a significant need in the community. Raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence, ensuring that everyone receives justice and support, and assisting clients in CCMA cases who have been unfairly dismissed or have other grievances. The coalition is primarily involved in gender-based campaigns, raising awareness in the community and surrounding areas of WJC as they hope to bring about change and improve the lives of community members.
To achieve its goals, the organisation collaborates with a local radio station “Why Why FM” and the local newspaper San Herald. They use these platforms to alert people of events and provide a safe space for those with issues to come forward and discuss their concerns freely.
Additionally, the coalition supports community members who have been unfairly and forcibly removed from their homes or communities, despite having proper ownership and documentation by offering guidance and support in these cases.
Sovereign Agro-Economy and Food Empowerment
By Sinalo Peyi
Sovereign Agro-Economy and Food Empowerment (SAFE) is an organisation based in the Western Cape where it is active in the Cape Urban, Swartland, Wemmershoek, Boland, Matzikamma and Cederberg to mention some. SAFE was established by farmers who believe in Agro-Ecology and going back to traditional forms of farming that were used historically before the introduction of modern chemicals which are harmful to the environment.
SAFE was formed during a campaign by community members of the Western Cape from the Cape Urban to the farm. This campaign consisted of activists and community members who shared the same goal. SAFE has four regions where there are members, including the Mfuleni Forum structure.
The leadership is elected through open elections. The community and relevant stakeholders participate in the election. The organisation’s activities include policy advocacy, training programs, community education, community mobilisation, research-documentation and other activities that are aimed at community development.
The current campaign that the organisation is involved in is advocating for communities to access health care and nutritional food. This is done through by their agricultural practices that fight against unhealthy environment. SAFE believes that harmful chemicals that are being used in South Africa were produced in Germany for South African farmers to grow their crops. These chemicals increase health risks for the population.
SAFE has publications where readers can learn more on the dangers and effects of these chemicals, also being able to contribute to a healthy climate change. The publications are also used to equip farmers who have no knowledge of the risks of using chemicals. You can contact SAFE on info@safe. net. Zach for more information or call the number +27 733689078.
Uzima SA
By Nolusindiso Balati
Uzima SA was established by Carol Dyantji in 2023, this organisation is located at Ezimbuzini in Orlando West, Soweto. Dyantji started the organisation to help people who face many social problems and do not have enough support at home and in the community. Uzima SA helps women and children, by giving them dignity and new skills.
The organisation involves the community in many ways. They hold community meetings to find work for the volunteers, some of the community members eventually become staff members in the organisation. They offer various activities for women and children. Women learn about childcare and other related important topics; the space also encourages women to come together to talk about their problems and find solutions together.
There are various activities for children in the afternoons, which involves reading and writing. Uzima SA also runs clean-up campaigns to keep the community clean and a health clinic to promote good health within the community. This organisation empowers different members of the community by taking them to different workshops where they learn new skills, helping them to grow and succeed. Uzima SA is making a big difference in Orlando West, offering hope and support to those who need it most.
These organisational profiles were submitted as part of the Imbila Yesu publication produced daily for the duration of the Winter School in 2024 (14-20 July 2024). All appeared in Edition 1, released on 15 July 2024. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the author and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
