|
|
|
|
SALO Newsletter
December 2021
|
|
|
Welcome to SALO's newsletter!
Welcome to SALO's last newsletter for 2021.
This has been a challenging year for many of us, with continued lockdowns, uncertainty, and new COVID-19 variants.
However, at SALO we have managed to sustain momentum and continue advocacy with our various virtual closed and open dialogues and occasional in-person engagements where safe and possible. This can be seen in the expansion of our work on Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa. SALO has also expanded and strengthened regional advocacy through building and connecting broader networks and the capacity of regional civil society organisations and individuals. Our thematic areas have covered local government elections in South Africa, the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, migrant rights, regional democratisation and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
Looking forward, SALO will continue facilitating dialogue, consensus and solidarity between national, regional and international actors.
"There exists no they and we, only us. Solidarity is and has to be indivisible." - Olof Palme
Happy holidays and stay safe.
|
|
|
Third and Fourth Quarter Zimbabwe Situational Analysis
- Dr Phillan Zamchiya
Highlights include:
1. Zimbabwe has officially entered election mode ahead of the planned 2022 by-elections and the general election constitutionally due in 2023.
2. Elite dis-cohesion escalated within the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) and this culminated in a court case challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legal legitimacy.
3. The resurgence of political violence and human rights violations with 73.58% committed by ruling party members and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
4. The Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) gazetted the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment (PVO) Bill on 5 November 2021 [GN 3107 of 2021] which might result in the shrinkage of democratic space for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
5. Month on month inflation went up for the third consecutive time. It was 4.2% in August, 4.7% in September and October recorded the highest in 2021 at 6.4%.
Read the entire analysis here.
|
|
|
“The elders sit under the big tree and talk until they agree…talking until you agree (or agree to disagree) is the essential (essence) of the traditional African concept of democracy…”
- Julius Nyerere
|
|
|
Brief on the Security Situation in Mozambique
- Ineke Stemmet, SALO, October 2021
There is largely a consensus that achieving a stable situation of security is important as a means to an end to achieve a longer-lasting peace situation in the country. This will need to be complemented by socio-economic interventions that address the root causes as well as strategies to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by many in the country.
Read the entire brief here:
|
|
|
Recent SALO Public Dialogues
SALO’s approach to building international consensus includes creating ‘safe spaces' for formal and informal dialogues among and between state and non-state actors, informing key policymakers, and generating in-depth research and analysis. Read about some of our recent dialogues here:
|
|
|
SALO Public Multi-stakeholder Dialogue: Building Regional Solidarity on Eswatini
7 October 2021
|
|
The Southern African Liaison Office (SALO), in partnership with OSISA, hosted a public multi-stakeholder dialogue on Eswatini to build regional civil society solidarity for Eswatini civic actors (including students, labour, and churches among others).
Speakers included:
Arnold Tsunga (Chair, Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network);
Peter Mutasa (President, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions);
Mlungisi Makhanya (President, PUDEMO);
Janet Zhou (Secretary-General, Southern African People's Solidarity Network); and
Thembinkosi Dlamini (Swaziland United Democratic Front)
Watch the dialogue here.
|
|
|
SALO Public Dialogue: Zimbabwe and the Future of Sanctions
21 October 2021
|
|
|
SALO, in partnership with the Embassy of Norway in South Africa, held a virtual public dialogue focussing on international economic re-engagement with Zimbabwe.
The dialogue took place after the UN announced in September that it would send a Special Rapporteur to visit Zimbabwe in order to assess the impact of sanctions on the country. Additionally, in 2019, SADC declared 25th October as the day for SADC to campaign as a region for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. This discussion looked at what sanctions mean for Zimbabwe, arguments for and against, and the way forward for the international community on this issue.
Speakers included: ZANU PF Legal Affairs Secretary Hon M.P Mangwana, Jacob Mafume (Mayor of Harare and member of the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance), Janet Zhou (the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development), investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, Dewa Mavhinga of Human Rights Watch, and Tapiwanashe Chiringa of the Zimbabwe National Students Union.
In addition to the above speakers, respondents from MDC-T, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA); Transform Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD); Human Rights Watch Southern Africa; Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition were invited.
Watch the dialogue online here.
|
|
|
SALO Public Dialogue: Eswatini
25 October 2021
|
|
This public dialogue followed from a SALO public dialogue held on the 7th of October, which aimed to build solidarity on Eswatini within the region and featured voices not only in Eswatini, but South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana too. You can watch the playback of this dialogue here.
In the week prior to the dialogue, escalating protests took place in Eswatini, which was met by violent repression from police and the army. This followed protests that erupted earlier this year which saw dozens of pro-democracy protesters killed. The protests included school students boycotting lessons and calling for free schooling, the release of the arrested MPs and an end to the regime under King Mswati III. Protesters were heard chanting “release our MPs” and “Mswati must fall”.
SALO, in partnership with OSISA, held a public multi-stakeholder dialogue discussing the ongoing protests in Eswatini, the human rights situation in the country and Eswatini’s obligations towards its citizens.
Speakers included leaders of the pro-democracy movement, who shared a thorough current understanding of the situation in Eswatini. By highlighting the perspectives and demands from the pro-democracy movement on the ground in Eswatini, this dialogue aimed to create consensus on Eswatini and build support for more effective short and longer-term policy approaches for South Africa and the region.
|
|
|
SALO Public Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Local Government
30 October 2021
|
|
SALO, in partnership with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, held a Public Policy Dialogue in the lead up to the recent local government elections. This dialogue aimed to build consensus on matters impacting the local government level and to facilitate knowledge sharing amongst citizens, activists, and political actors.
The following themes were discussed at this event:
- Youth participation at local government level,
- The question of whether documented migrants from the African continent or SADC should be allowed to vote in local government elections,
- The role of local government in the protection of vulnerable and marginalised groups, and
- Gendered local government budgeting
Speakers included: Councillor Mark Kleinschmidt (DA Candidate for Ward 60), Busisiwe Nxumalo (Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Gaby Shapiro Branch and ANC Candidate for Wards 58 and 56) and Dr Trust Matsilele (Academic, Researcher and Journalist).
Representatives from the EFF, DA and ANC were invited to participate in the dialogue.
Find the recording of the dialogue here.
|
|
SALO Public Dialogue: Eswatini
12 November 2021
|
|
SALO, in partnership with the Norwegian People's Aid, held a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the issue of Eswatini. Eswatini remains pertinent for South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, concluding a one-day working visit to Eswatini with King Mswati III on the 2nd of November 2021. This follows the intervention of Special Envoys from South Africa on 21 and 22 October 2021.
These visits come in response to the sustained protests that have taken place in Eswatini since July, which have been met by violent repression from police and the army.
This dialogue featured voices based in Eswatini and the region. Prior to the dialogue, the Southern African People's Solidarity Network (SAPSN) conducted a pastoral visit to Eswatini that met with Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, and a variety of other stakeholders. Representatives from the visit shared and discussed their findings.
Watch the video here.
|
|
SALO Public Civil Society Briefing on Zimbabwe
19 November 2021
|
|
SALO, in partnership with the Norwegian People's Aid, hosted a civil society briefing focussing on the challenges civil society is facing regarding the closure of democratic space and the response of civil society moving forward, as well as other current issues including:
- The call for investment in coal from Zimbabwe's finance minister at the recent COP26 Conference that highlighted Zimbabwe’s agenda for climate change.
- The cancellation of a planned visit to Zimbabwe by South African celebrity, Somizi Mhlongo, following an outcry from the Apostolic Christian Council about his sexuality, which focussed attention once again on LGBTQIA+ rights in that country.
- The potential extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit.
|
|
SALO Public Community Dialogue on Local Government
17 November 2021
|
|
SALO, in partnership with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue on local government. The dialogue acted as a debriefing session on the outcomes of the recent local government elections, particularly looking at the repercussions on marginalised groupings such as youth, women, the LGBTIQA+ community, and migrants. This dialogue will also look at the South African government's decision to not extend the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit, and the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Speakers included:
Tessa Dooms (Social Analyst & Director, Jasoro Consulting)
Dr Trust Matsilele (Political analyst)
Lwazi Phakada (Ward Councillor in Ward 51 kwa Langa, Cape Town)
The recording can be found here.
|
|
Public Policy Dialogue on the Crisis in Mozambique
9 December 2021
|
|
SALO, in partnership with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, held a public multi-stakeholder dialogue on the security situation in Mozambique. The dialogue discussed the insurgency that has gripped Cabo Delgado since October 2017. The speakers at the dialogue were Peter Bofin (ACLED); Leila Constantino (Economist) and was chaired by Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo.
The dialogue highlighted the large-scale destruction of economic and social infrastructure in the country and the consequent humanitarian emergency. Since the start of the conflict, the situation has significantly deteriorated. The conflict has had significant costs on the Mozambican economy and at the same time, a significant cost remains for the reconstruction of Cabo Delgado.
It also touched on the regional dynamics of the conflict, especially with regards to Rwanda and Tanzania and the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
Watch the dialogue here:
|
|
|
Recent SALO Policy Briefs
|
|
|
Policy Brief - SALO Public Dialogue on Developments in Eswatini
13 July 2021
- Athenkosi Thoba, SALO
On the 13th of July 2021, the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO) held a public multi-stakeholder dialogue discussing the political and security developments in Eswatini in recent weeks. The country erupted into widespread protests after a law student, Thabani Nkomonye’s body was found dumped in bushes in an area called Nhlambeni, in May 2021. The Swaziland National Association of Teachers led a march on 17 May 2021 to the Manzini regional police head offices to deliver a petition against police brutality; the incident also sparked a public outcry after allegations emerged that the 25-year-old was killed by the police.
With this multi-stakeholder dialogue, SALO sought to engage and share credible information and build regional and national consensus on the situation in Eswatini.
Participants on the panel included members of civil society in Eswatini who provided updates on the developments in the country. Notably, what emanated from the discussion was that the pro-democracy demonstrations and the deadly violence that erupted in Eswatini had deepened the country’s economic and humanitarian crisis without forcing or resulting in any reform of the royal establishment. It is therefore critical to reflect on what these developments meant and the way forward from a civil society and human rights perspective.
Read the full Policy Dialogue Report, here.
|
|
|
Policy Brief - SALO Regional Dialogue: South Africa, Eswatini and Zimbabwe
22 July 2021
- Prof Brian Raftopoulos
SALO, in partnership with the Olof Palme International Centre, held a regional public multi-stakeholder dialogue on 22 July 2021. This Policy Brief explores three over-lapping legacies in post-settler colonial states that have left their mark on countries in Southern Africa:
1. Forms of Political Settlement.
2. State Capture.
3. Civil Society and the Struggle for Democratisation.
Read the full Policy Brief here.
|
|
|
Policy Brief – SALO Women's Month Regional Public Dialogue
19 August 2021
- Ineke Stemmet, SALO
SALO hosted a regional Women’s Month Public Dialogue on 19 August 2021. This dialogue explored recent developments as well as deep-seated structural problems from women's perspectives and experiences in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. The speakers highlighted issues of migrant women, the political exclusion of women, gendered political violence, and gender-based violence. Speakers included Jestina Mukoko (Zimbabwe; Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project), Roshan Dadoo (South Africa; Coordinator of SA BDS Coalition and former director of CoRMSA), and Colani B. Hlatjwako (eSwatini; Africa Regional Coordinator of the One Billion Rising Campaign).
Read the full Policy Brief here.
|
|
|
SALO Social Media and Media
|
|
|
In October, SALO ran a social media campaign celebrating South Africa's Pride Month. Find it using the hashtag #SALOPride on our Twitter and Facebook pages. The campaign explored the history of LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa, SOGIE terms, and SALO's past LGBTQIA+ work.
Find the link to SALO's social media sites here.
|
|
|
|
SALO is hosting focus groups for its research project titled: COVID-19 Pandemic: Conceptions, beliefs and practices of community members from different socio-cultural backgrounds.
- Focus group 1: - Wed 15 Dec 2pm- 4pm
- Focus group 2: - Friday 14 Jan 2pm-4pm
Please email lilymanoim@gmail.com if you are interested in participating
|
|
|
SALO at the 13th meeting of the African Policy Circle
|
|
|
Ineke Stemmet and Milisa Mbete represented SALO at the 13th meeting of the African Policy Circle, held in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, in Nairobi. The theme of the meeting was: Think Tank Work and Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Light of COVID-19. Ineke’s keynote address explored the diverse impact of the pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Milisa’s presentation focused on the impact of the pandemic on democratic governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Delegates visited the Kenyan parliament and met with Hon (Dr.) Amos Kimunya, EGH, MP, Leader of Majority Party in the National Assembly to discuss African democracy and the prospects of democratic governance.
|
|
|
SALO Board Chair at the Norwegian People's Aid Partners Meeting
|
|
|
SALO Board Chair, Bishop Rubin Phillip, gave the opening address at the Norwegian People’s Aid partners meeting in Durban on 16 November, 2021
|
|
|
SALO Pretoria and Cape Town Office Staff Meet-Ups
|
|
|
Policy Brief from the SALO Archives
|
|
|
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN PEACEBUILDING AND LESSONS LEARNT FROM SOUTHERN SUDAN
30 June 2016
On the 30th of June 2016, the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO) in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), hosted a dialogue entitled The Role of Women in Peace-building: Lessons from South Sudan. This event highlighted the challenges women face in South Sudan’s peace process and the opportunities for greater inclusion. The dialogue was part of the build-up to the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum, aimed at providing a platform for ‘conflict resolution and peace-building in Africa’ which was held on 12th August 2016.
Click here to read the full article.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
