School in a country struggling to recover from exploitation of natural resources and land grabbing

Pastoral accompaniment of the victims of injustice in South Africa The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ  (Gaudium et spes, no.1) Across South Africa, many victims of...

“Violence and the Crisis of Human Dignity: A Theological and Pastoral Analysis of Violent Crime in South Africa through the Lens of Pope Benedict XVI” Part I: Introduction 1.1 The Problem of Violent Crime in South Africa Violent crime remains one of the most pressing social and moral challenges in contemporary South Africa. Despite the democratic transition of 1994 and the...

The Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) has made a desperate plea for an end to the rise in political assassinations ahead of next month's municipal polls, calling the trend “one of the biggest threats to South Africa’s hard-won democracy.” “We are saddened to see that, after 22 years into democracy, political killings, which are sad reminders of our painful past,...

The research commissioned by the SA Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) and the DG Murray Trust has found that the socioeconomic costs of alcohol abuse are higher than previously thought. Citing excessive alcohol consumption for the deaths in the SACBC’s report, Strengthening Communities Through Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms Project, researcher and associate professor of sociology at the University of Johannesburg, Kezia Batisai, said...

“New study suggests economic and social costs of alcohol abuse higher than previously thought” “According to the data, the widespread excessive use of alcohol in our country is the third-largest contributor to death and disability after Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and interpersonal violence. It is, for instance, estimated that alcohol plays a role in 80% of deaths among young men. Reality...

A new baseline study commissioned by SACBC Justice and Peace Commission and DG Murray Trust suggests the economic and social costs associated with alcohol abuse in South Africa are far higher than previously thought. In some provinces, the burden may even outstrip the sector’s economic contributions, making alcohol the most harmful drug at a population level. What makes it worse is...

audiences effectively. “There are forums such as AA or SANCA, but no one uses them,” one respondent from Port Elizabeth said. Besides, legislation to prevent risky drinking behaviour is often not implemented, thus not effective: 80% of Klerksdorp survey respondents said they knew about by-laws, but 64% said these do not help reduce alcohol-related harms, for instance, among minors. “Some tavern...

Alcohol abuse is a serious global challenge with severe harms that manifest as economic, health and social problems and costs (Sibanda, 2019; Matzopoulos, Truen, Bowman and Corrigall, 2014). The costs are worse for an African country, South Africa, which ranks sixth globally as a nation of drinkers (Chelwa and Van Walbeek, 2019). In 2003, the cost of alcohol-related harms in South Africa was estimated at R8.7-billion;...

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission is outraged by the high levels of intentional killings of women and girls reported nationwide. Over the past few weeks, the country has witnessed unapparelled incidences of mindless and callous killings of innocent women and girls. The latest of such tragic killings being that of a University of Cape Town...

Young Women For Life (YWFL) in South Africa are working tirelessly to empower 8000 girls to recover from the violence against women in the slum settlements.  Through mentorship & vocational support, women like Thando live a wholesome life & support their communities.  

The socioeconomic system set in place during South Africa’s apartheid era continues to pervade the country today. HIV’s disproportionate impacts Black South Africans, particularly women, is but one example. South African girls and women are disproportionately impacted by HIV due in part to gender- and race-based inequality. South Africa’s 2023 strategic plan for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reports that...

Men need to be involved as well, and that is what the HeforShe Taverns project aims to facilitate. Implemented by the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission and Klerksdorp Diocese in North West Province, the initiative wants to create conversations between men - and women - about the violence in their communities. 

Today,  Church has created an opportunity for a movement of rape survivors to meet the United Nations and the various EU ambassadors in Pretoria.   The meeting was held at the Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria. https://youtu.be/EpIbSaLH2rs

In rural Mpumalanga, a group of determined young women is taking the fight against gender-based violence beyond police stations and courtrooms — into the heart of their own communities, where harmful traditional norms often go unchallenged. Young Women for Life, a grassroots movement representing rape survivors and young women affected by gender-based violence, has been holding a series of dialogues with...

The sounds of laughter, singing and clapping emanate from a small event space deep in Mamelodi township on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa. Inside, a group of girls are excitedly preparing to begin a group dialogue session. The participants, whose ages range from 15 to 25, have been brought together by their desire for change—and their belief that they can...

Breakfast, HeForShe Taverns project ambassador Joe Mashilo tells Refiloe Mpakanyane how the community felt the need to initiate conversations with men about engaging with women without being abusive.

Young women for life conducts protests in communities and at the magistrate courts, putting pressure on the justice system to improve its handling of the rape cases. A powerful scene of unity and support unfolded outside the Modimolle Magistrate's Court on Friday, as women from all walks of life gathered to stand in solidarity with Bonnette ahead of the appearance of...

One of the objectives of the Safe taverns Project, launched by the Young women for life in 2017, is to transform the perception of taverns from being seen as unsafe drinking dens to vibrant community hubs that play a vital economic and social role in marginalized settlements. @HeForShe Taverns is transforming social spaces. From 12 taverns to a movement, we're reclaiming...

In general, women in South Africa experience many challenges in finding and keeping a good job. These include being able to secure appropriate childcare, gaps in employment to raise a family, gender biases and discrimination. This can lead to a loss of networks, connections and confidence. This becomes harder when one is a survivor of sexual violence. In response to this,...

Taverns programme has reached over 10 000 people - yes!!! TEN THOUSAND!   @HeForShe Tavern programme encourages men to actively join the conversation around gender-based violence. Watch our video explaining the HeforShe tavens https://youtu.be/cfz_kaw0kaA?si=jiBySlaLDmPYlOXE

Anna Maswikeni coordinates the mental health support services at the Young Women for Life Movement (YWfL) working with young women between the ages of 14 – 25 from South African townships and rural communities. The YWfL movement, established by the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission and supported by UN Women South Africa Multi-Country office, was founded...

A culture of silence allows gender-based violence to escalate This is something that was highlighted at the imbizo organized today by the Mpumalanga Chapter of the Young Women for Life Movement, in partnership with the esteemed Lomshiyo Tribal Authority. The young women for life in Mpumalanga is situated in rural areas.  They have managed to mobilize traditional leaders to become agents...

In the heart of the slum settlements in Cape Town, a beacon of hope and sustainability is taking root, thanks to the visionary efforts of the young women for life. This inspiring group is leading a transformative urban food garden initiative that aims to convert a staggering 10 illegal dumping sites into thriving community Gardens of Hope. These vibrant green spaces...

In the informal settlement of Woodlands in KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, an inspiring group of young women known as the Young Women for Life Movement are tackling two critical issues facing their community - waste dumping and food insecurity - through the innovative practice of regenerative farming. In the impoverished informal settlement of Woodlands, a group of determined young women...

The Young Women for Life Movement has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at putting gender justice and economic empowerment at the centre of local government. As part of its ongoing work to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and uplift women in marginalised communities, the movement is hosting a series of webinars across various provinces, bringing together young women aspirant ward councillor...