December 2008
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War in a time of peace and goodwill
The recent upsurge of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – already devastated by a five-year civil war – has created a humanitarian emergency in the heart of Africa, with more than two hundred thousand civilians fleeing their homes.
Displaced victims of the Kivu conflict - Picture by ICRC
Since August, there have been almost daily clashes between the rebels, the government army and local militias. Like all conflicts in Africa, the Kivu conflict is complicated: there are more than two armed forces involved in the fighting and several interacting factors that involve neighbouring countries, desire for control of the region’s vast mineral wealth, and inter-ethnic clashes, which further complicate the situation.
As we plan to spend time with our loved ones, let’s remember those who have lost their loved ones to conflict, poverty and disease. As we plan mouthwatering menus and days of peace and relaxation, let’s take a moment to think of those who don’t know where the next mouthful of food will come from, or where they will lay their heads for the night without waking to the sounds of gunfire, the screams of suffering and children whimpering with hunger.
This is why the Southern Africa Trust exists: to never ignore the needs of the poor in all parts of southern Africa; to find workable methods to end poverty forever; and to work alongside other organisations who are in the midst of such turmoil, supporting them to resolve conflict and care for the hungry, the sick, the fearful - and the forgotten.
As this season of our change4ever campaign draws to a close, we ask you for one more act of kindness. Please visit www.change4ever.org one last time this year.
May your gift be given with the desire for peace - and for the root causes of poverty to be addressed in this magnificent region, which holds so much promise for all who call southern Africa home.
”Be the change you want to see in the world”’
Mahatma Ghandi
A school compound near Goma turns into a temporary settlement to escape violence in DRC - Picture by ICRC |
Southern Africa ChangeMakers is an e-newsletter for our donors, friends, partners and anyone concerned about overcoming poverty in southern Africa.
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More than five million people have been killed in the DRC by conflict, hunger and disease since 1998.
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"We also have to address the root causes ... find a solution to the pillaging of resources in the region."
Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French Secretary of State for European Affairs.
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We wish all our readers a happy, safe, and peaceful festive season and we thank you for your generous support during 2008.
Click here to connect to the change4ever website
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Partner Links: Justice and Peace Commission of Kigoma Diocese
The violent conflict in the DRC’s Kivu region again raises the prospect that a region in conflict will not develop out of poverty. But overcoming the volatility in Kivu and the surrounding region requires more than bringing an end to the current fighting and providing immediate humanitarian relief. It needs a sustained effort to address the underlying causes of the resurgence of the violent conflict. It needs ongoing work by community based groups, person by person, to transform the conflict into the possibility of peace and development.
Sustained community based reconciliation, peace building and development initiatives are needed in the Great Lakes region to transform the ongoing conflict forever - Picture by Red Orbit
The Southern Africa Trust supports the Kigoma Justice and Peace Commission’s programme of cross-border peace for development, being implemented by seven Justice and Peace Commissions across three countries in the conflict region: DRC, Tanzania and Burundi.
Working across borders with communities in all three countries, this project is strengthening local communities in the region to prevent and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner and to reintegrate refugees and returnees through reconciliation efforts. By doing this, the programme is working to transform the potential for further violent flare-ups in the region into the possibility of sustained development in the long term – so that the violence happening in Kivu now is prevented from recurring and spreading. |
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Cross border migrants in Malawi selling artifacts
Click here to read the policy brief on social protection.
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A lifetime of labour and nothing to show for it
Earning an income is a key factor in overcoming poverty. Yet for millions of people in southern Africa, work opportunities often only exist in other countries of the region.
Migration will increasingly characterize the southern Africa region, especially in light of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional integration agenda, which declared a Free Trade Area in August this year.
Migration is a highly charged issue, particularly in relation to labour, in most parts of the world. (Please see Southern Africa Changemakers August issue for our focus on regional migration.
Click here
Migrants at work
Although many migrants probably leave their home countries with no intention of returning, a significant percentage of them do decide to eventually return to the countries of their birth.
SADC governments may want to encourage the return of migrants to their home countries, as it is highly beneficial for their development, essentially through investment capital, return of human capital, and transfer of knowledge and skills.
However, the loss of of long term social security benefits prevents many migrant workers from returning home. In most southern African countries, the national laws of the host country (or bilateral agreements between the host and the home country) do not allow the migrant worker to keep the social security entitlements s/he contributed to, or accrued, during her or his time of working in the host country. These include pensions, workmen’s compensation and disability benefits.
After years of work, these benefits can be substantial. The possibility of losing this income might very well prevent a migrant worker from returning home. This can have far reaching consequences for both the host country and the home country of the migrant worker – and often for the poverty-stricken family members left behind.
Social assistance programmes in SADC countries have failed to coherently integrate regionally for the protection of poor migrant workers. Bilateral agreements are needed to ensure access and portability of social benefits by migrant workers. However, a comprehensive regional social protection framework is required to ensure proper coordination and harmonization of social security systems across the region.
For more on this problem, please read our policy brief ‘Can we meet the social cost of integration in Southern Africa? Click here |
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What you want to change ...
Thank you. We've had a wonderful response!
Here are a few of the SMS and online answers we’ve received to the change4ever question:
"Political corruption that causes billions of dollars intended to be used for our people’s upliftment (via employment and education) but ends up in greedy hands."
"People's dependency on government, especially in rural and farming areas."
"To make land affordable to the poor."
"To asses the skills and abilities of the unemployed and involve them in every township in private house-building and service rendering."
"Take prejudice out of peoples' minds, prejudice based on religion, race, sexuality, gender, so people look at each other with open eyes, for who they are."
"Free boarding schools for all children in need. This would help orphans from AIDS and their dependants get food, education and a home."
"That the crime rate be dramatically lowered!! If wishes did come true there would be NO crime in
South Africa."
"Corruption and greed at all levels of society."
"The state of hospices in black communities."
"To change the way in which the justice system continues to fail women."
"It would be the negative stigma attached to being HIV infected. If people can view it as any other chronic illness. more people would test regularly."
"Children dying as a result of malnutrition."
"To ensure that every child gets access to education no matter the economic circumstances of the family. That might alleviate poverty in the long term."
What are your views?
Please keep them coming. You can SMS as many answers as you want to 36545. Each SMS donates R5.00 to the Change4Ever campaign. Go to the “what’s new” section on www.change4ever.org to see the responses as they come in.
“If I could change one thing forever, it would be to protect children from violence in the home and at school, to ban child labour and to provide equal treatment and equal opportunities to all children, rich and poor alike.”
Mr Cassam Uteem, former President of Mauritius
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We have 50 David Tlale designer t-shirts to give to some of those who send SMS answers.
SMS ‘change’ and your answer to the change4ever question to 36545: If you could change one thing forever, what would it be?
You could soon be wearing a limited edition designer T-shirt by South Africa’s designer of the year!
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Big Brother Housemates responses
Ricco
"I would address the problem of unemployment in Angola and get rid of nepotism in the public and private sectors."
Morris
"I wish Uganda could allocate a ministry that would specifically focus on health issues and also control its coffers. The current status quo has resulted in civil servants looting money and donations allocated to people living with HIV/AIDS. I also wish to change the mentality of leaders: to have their people's interests at heart."
Tawana
"Changing the youth’s attitudes would make Botswana’s health and economic sectors flourish."
Thami
"I wish to change the educational syllabus in South Africa to capacitate pupils with leadership and entrepreneur skills."
Takondwa
"Zambia urgently needs to rid corruption in all sectors of the economy. I would introduce zero tolerance on corruption accompanied by imposition of stiffer sentences."
Hazel
"In Malawi I would introduce a vigorous campaign aimed at empowering the children about what’s wrong, right and acceptable. In three four generations to come its impact would be felt the same way a boy and girl child’s roles are defined by society."
Mimi
"I would ensure that there is free access to quality education from grade 1 up to university level to improve the Ghanaian community."
Housemate responses courtesy of MNET and Oboma |
Mozambique’s Lizha James was in the Big Brother Africa house on 17 October to take the change4ever message to the housemates
Ambassador for Change Lucia Mthiyane getting onto the Blue Train
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The change4ever campaign’s been very active
If you could change one thing forever, what would it be?
Changing peoples’ lives forever refers to lasting change. It links with our vision of ending poverty forever - not just dealing with its seemingly never-ending symptoms.
Change4ever ambassador David Tlale created a stunning fashion collection on food security to raise funds for the change4ever campaign
Night of fashion for change raises R50,000
A spectacular fundraising evening of fashion for change kick-started the change4ever campaign at The Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on 2 October. Award-winning fashion designer David Tlale created an extraordinary fashion show, using food security as the theme. Guests watched in electrified silence as the models appeared, wrapped in drab grey blankets with powerful messages such as "Go on, change a life forever - please” before shedding their outer layers to reveal a glorious collection of jewel-coloured clothes.
MC for the evening, Metro FM's Unathi Nkayi increased the excitement when, as auction mistress, she challenged guests to dig deep and bid for the unique auction Items. Over R50,000 was raised in a matter of minutes on just four very unique items – and one very special pledge.
Auction Winners
Kholeka Mzondeki was the envied winner of a private dinner with Mrs Graça Machel. All proceeds of this bid will be given to organisations working to increase the protection of children in southern Africa.
Aubrey Mkhabela won the bid for the stunning David Tlale designer evening dress.
Bidding for a journey for two on the Blue Train was so hotly contested that a second set of two tickets were put up for auction. Sibling rival bidders Jose and Vera Hoge and their partners will join actress Lucia Mthiyane and other change4ever ambassadors on a once-in-a-lifetime trip on the award winning Blue Train.
The winning bidder for the beautifully framed change4ever designer T-shirt signed by the change4ever ambassadors was Hoosain Karjieke.
Well-known entertainer Siphokhazi was so captivated with the purpose of change4ever that she spontaneously gave a significant personal pledge.
Our heartfelt thanks to all who attended the fashion for change event and who gave so generously. Click here for more photos of this wonderful evening.
South Africa’s celebrities support Change4ever
From small beginnings just three months ago, the campaign now has the support of 15 prominent South African celebrities who have pledged their commitment as ambassadors for change.
Unathi Nkayi and Thomas Msengana have been appointed ambassadors of the change4ever campaign
Thomas Msengana, Unathi Nkayi, and Glen Lewis – Metro FM’s popular presenters – have joined change4ever as ambassadors, citing their commitment to innovative solutions to poverty and their support for the change4ever campaign’s principles.
Click here to meet all the change4ever ambassadors and hear the celebrities’ reasons for supporting this campaign’s work to overcome poverty forever.
Big Brother Africa talks poverty
Day 54 of MNET’s Big Brother Africa coincided with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Award-winning Mozambican star Lizha James joined the contestants in the house on Friday 17 October 2008, asking them the Change4ever question: “If you could change one thing forever in your country, what would it be?”
See their responses on www.change4ever.org
Winner of Big Brother Africa 2008, Ricco, wearing the change4ever t-shirt and discussing the change4ever question with Lizha James - Picture by MNET
Anyone For Golf?
On 10 November 2008 as part of our campaign’s awareness raising efforts, the Southern Africa Trust took the change4ever campaign to the Institute of Directors’ Golf Day at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club.
Luxury with a purpose: All aboard the Blue Train!
On the evening of Friday 28 November, the world-famous Blue Train set off on a unique ‘Journey for Change’ to raise funds for the Change4ever campaign.
A host of Change4ever supporters joined the ambassadors for change to show their support for lasting solutions to poverty in southern Africa – and enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the same time.
We’ll bring you the full story in the next edition of Southern Africa Changemakers.
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Nandipa Mzondeki , Graça Machel and Kholeka Mzondeki discuss their responses to the change4ever question before dinner
Change4ever campaign plans are continuing – with some exciting developments in the coming months... all to help drive down poverty in southern Africa for good.
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Change4ever with Graça Machel
Kholeka Mzondeki achieved one of her dreams when she was the dinner guest of Mrs Graça Machel in Johannesburg on 17 November.
Kholeka found that she and Mrs Machel share a common belief: that one way to change the world is to ensure that all children, especially girls, have access to education and that they are groomed from a young age to have values.
“That’s the way I was brought up,” explained Kholeka. “My mother and father instilled in me and my sisters that values and education are so important.”
In deciding who she would like to bring as her guest to the dinner with Mrs Machel, Kholeka chose her mum. “It’s one small way that I can show my appreciation for my parents’ contribution to who I am today - and I am so proud of her!”
Kholeka’s impression of Mrs Machel? “Graça for me is a true role model: she is quietly powerful.”
Kholeka was the winning bidder for this dinner at the change4ever auction on 2 October. |
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As the Southern Africa Trust has an existing grant that covers all its operational expenses, every cent raised through the change4ever campaign goes directly to poverty-eradication projects.
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Explanation of project themes
Governance:
40 projects which are looking at new ways of shaping those public policies that reduce poverty in southern Africa.
Migration and Social Protection:
10 projects which are looking at the movement of people in the region and finding the best ways to ensure people are adequately protected and can access social protection mechanisms.
Food Security, Livelihoods, and Natural Resource Management:
19 projects are trying to make food security for millions of people more sustainable, manage our natural resources more effectively and improve people’s lives. This includes beneficial infrastructure development projects.
Finance, Trade and Investment, and Job creation:
15 projects are aiming to improve how the SADC region manages and implements its finance, trade and investment activities, and importantly, ensures job creation.
Support for Civil Society
The Southern Africa Trust – through 45 projects – helps to improve the way non-profit organisations are able to bring the voice of the poor into public decision making.
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Where Change4ever funds are going
The Southern Africa Trust is strongly focused on transparency and accountability
At a glance, here are the key focus areas that are critical in ending poverty forever and which the Southern Africa Trust supports through the work of its partner organisations.
The funds from the change4Ever campaign will support work in these areas. Please contact us if you are interested in more detailed information.
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Individual category
The visionary Richard Mkandawire for his outstanding leadership in convincing African leaders and the international community that Africa can muster the ability and political will to overcome hunger and poverty, through a green revolution for food security.
Business Category
Apparel Lesotho Alliance to Fight AIDS (ALAFA) for its innovative sector wide public-private-community partnership, which proves it is possible to protect key productive economic sectors in poor countries from the ravages of HIV and AIDS.
Civil Society Category
The Lusaka-based Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection for its simple but powerful Basic Needs Basket survey. This survey compares essential food and other household costs of a regular family of four, against the income of an average household. It is having a visible impact on Zambia’s poverty reduction efforts.
Joint Special Award
The Ministry of Finance & Economic Development of Mauritius and the Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS) for creating major changes in how regional poverty reduction priorities are set in the region, by bringing business, civil society and governments from the region together to make real progress in overcoming poverty in the region.
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And the winners are . . .
The 2008 Drivers of Change award winners were announced on Thursday, 23 October 2008 at a “Symphony of Winners” dinner held by the Trust in partnership with the Mail & Guardian newspaper in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Winners of the 2008 Drivers of Change Awards
The prestigious non-monetary awards recognize outstanding, innovative efforts to overcome poverty. They acknowledge individuals and organisations from the business, government, and civil society sectors.
This year, a record-breaking 60 nominations were received from 11 southern African countries.
The Drivers of Change awards aim to encourage new ways of thinking and change attitudes, policies and practices, so that efforts to overcome poverty are more effective.
Addressing the gathering of about 300 guests, the former president of Mauritius, Mr Cassam Uteem, called for a war against poverty to be waged with the same seriousness that military wars are being fought – with a deliberate effort by governments to include opposition parties in a 'war cabinet' to fight poverty.
With legendary television personality Doreen Morris as the host, musical entertainment was performed by the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra and the change4ever campaign ambassador, Lira.
“The fight against poverty should not be treated as a partisan issue, but instead, as an above-political-parties’ issue. I would therefore renew my plea that the opposition be invited to co-operate with the government in the war against poverty - the only war worth waging in the 21st century .”
Former President of Mauritius,
Mr Cassam Uteem |
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The Informal Cross Border Trade meeting participants visited the cross border traders in Lilongwe, Malawi |
| Date |
Upcoming Events |
| 4, 5 November, Malawi |
Regional meeting on Informal Cross Border Trade |
| 6 November 2008, Malawi |
Southern Africa Trust consultation with Malawi civil society organisations
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| 7 November 2008, Malawi |
Southern Africa Trust Board of Trustees quarterly meeting |
| 1 December 2008 |
World AIDS Day |
| 25 November to 10 December 2008 |
16 Days of activism against gender violence |
| 27 January - 02 February 2009, Brazil |
World Social Forum |
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Who's been visiting?
Cassam Uteem, former President of Mauritius
Francesca Bomboko, Head of the DRC National Poverty Observatory
Louise Clement,
Director General of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Lucia Matibenga, President of the Southern African Trade Union Coordinating Council (SATUCC)
Moses Kachima, General Secretary of SATUCC
Muziwakhe Sigudla , President of the Southern African Youth Movement
Abie Ditlhake, General Secretary of the SADC Council of NGOs
Lynette Chen, CEO of the NEPAD Business Foundation
Percy Moleke, Policy Coordination and Advisory Services, South African Presidency
Lira, South African music diva
Unathi Nkayi, Thomas Msengana and Glen Lewis, Metro FM radio presenters
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Who we are and what we do
This is the last issue of ChangeMakers for 2008. Thanks for your support this year. Keep reading in 2009 for more information on a number of exciting initiatives we have lined up for the new year, including new leadership development and youth focused projects that we are planning with partner organisations.
Do you have an insightful comment or provocative statement to share? Start your own discussion on our Blog!
We value your feedback on the Changemakers newsletter and on our various campaigns and activities. Please send your comments to communications@southernafricatrust.org
click here to find out more about what we do |
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Ashley Green-Thompson, Grants Manager
Ashley was the director of the South African Network of Trauma Service Providers, where he started working as the network’s grants manager. He was previously the programme manager of the South African National NGO Coalition (SANGOCO) and director of the Justice and Peace Department of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the university of the Witwatersrand and is currently completing a Masters degree in management at the same university’s school of public and development management.
Ashley enjoys a good party, especially if the people are interesting, the food and wine excellent, and the music upbeat. He loves soccer, tries to stay in shape by running, and is been a lifelong fan of Bob Marley. He is still madly in love with Wendy, his wife of 11 years.
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Office closes:
Friday 19 December 2008
Office reopens:
Monday 5 January 2009
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Southern Africa Trust contact details
4 Midridge North, International Business Gateway, 6th Road (off New Road), Midrand, South Africa
T: +27 11 318 1012
F: +27 11 318 0814
E: info@southernafricatrust.org
W: www.southernafricatrust.org> |
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Have you joined the Change4Ever campaign?
If not, here are 7 very good reasons why you should:
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The Southern Africa Trust belongs to Southern Africa – it’s an independent, non-profit agency governed by trustees from southern Africa.
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We cannot continue to depend on overseas aid and the goodwill of people in other parts of the world to support efforts to overcome poverty in our part of the world – it’s our collective responsibility as people of southern Africa to do this.
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The best way to overcome poverty is to address its underlying causes, not just its immediate symptoms – we work for lasting change, so you will be giving to a solution and not a problem.
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Overcoming poverty must be a collective effort – none of us have all the answers or all the resources to overcome poverty alone but by working together and pooling our support, we can make a bigger difference.
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We already have our core operational costs covered, so everything that you give will go to others who are working for lasting solutions to poverty.
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We manage finances in accordance with the strictest principles of good corporate governance, transparency, and accountability.
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Poverty is everyone’s business. Get involved!
The Southern Africa Trust appreciates the support it has received from:
Trustees: Dr Vusi Gumede (SA), Mr Denis Kadima (DRC), Rev Joseph Komakoma (Zambia), Dr Perks Ligoya (Malawi), Dr Reginald Matchaba-Hove (Zimbabwe), Ms Alice Mogwe (Botswana), Ms Paula Monjane (Mozambique), Ms Shirley Moulder (SA), Ms Lucy Muyoyeta (Zambia), Ms Riah Phiyega (SA), Dr Prakash Ratilal (Mozambique)
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