It has been another whirlwind quarter. April marked the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term in office. Trump’s anti-rights campaign has intensified existing global trends of gutting international human rights protections and endangering people across the planet. Our State of the World’s Human Rights report paints a picture of widespread clampdowns on dissent, catastrophic escalations of armed conflict, inadequate efforts to address climate collapse, and a growing backlash globally against the rights of migrants, refugees, women, girls and LGBTI people. Each of these faces further deterioration in a turbulent 2025 unless a global about-turn is achieved.
For many of us bearing witness to these trends, the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflict in the DRC, the gender-based violence (GBV) crisis at home, we may feel that justice is outside of reach. But it is our collective action, our fight and commitment to defend human rights, that is the current that carries the tide towards justice. That is why as Amnesty International South Africa (AISA), we continue to fight! We resist. We demand accountability and stand firm in our mission – a world in which everyone enjoys their human rights.
It has been eight years since Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula were killed. The two friends were murdered during a night out, and their bodies dumped alongside a road. There has still been no justice for their deaths. This is why on the anniversary of their killing, Amnesty International South Africa held a picket to raise awareness on the lack of urgency to deal with their case, and to demand an update on the inquest into their deaths. In this edition of Lesedi, you can read about the picket and our continued call for justice and accountability for Popi and Bongeka.
Education is a core tool for resistance, equipping people to know and fight for their rights. That’s why AISA invests heavily in human rights education. In this quarter, AISA joined forces with Her Pride Foundation to deliver a workshop on GBV and consent to over 150 grade 8 learners at Botebo-Tsebo Secondary School in Sebokeng. You can read more about this initiative below.
Our chapters were hard at work this quarter, joining calls for justice for Cwecwe, a 7 year old girl from the Eastern Cape who was reportedly raped at her school in Matatiele. The National Prosecuting Authority decided not to go ahead with a prosecution due to a lack of evidence, leaving many angered by the lack of justice for Cwecwe. We celebrate our chapters this youth month and the work they have been able to accomplish despite facing impediments to their work.
We ended off the quarter with our annual general meeting, a time for members to come together to hear about the work done in the previous year, how resources were used, and what we achieved. We were grateful to have Karyn Maughan as our guest speaker this year, who spoke about the horrific threats and challenges to her work as a journalist and human rights defender. AISA continues to call for legislative protection for people like Karyn Maughan, and many others who defend human rights.
The first two quarters of the year have been jam packed. As we gear up for quarter three, let us roll up our sleeves and prepare to be the resistance that stems the tide of impunity, lack of accountability, and anti-human rights.
Aluta Continua!
Shenilla Mohamed
Human rights concerns continue year after year
By Marike Keller, Researcher at Amnesty International South Africa
Every year, Amnesty International releases its State of the World’s Human Rights report – a report detailing human rights violations across 150 countries. Globally we are seeing human rights backsliding with an escalation of armed conflicts, backlash against the rights of migrants, LGBTI people and women, inadequate efforts to address climate change, and a genocide unfolding in front of our eyes on our television and cell phone screens.
Closer to home, we sadly see the same human rights violations year after year. The high levels of gender-based violence continue unabated, another child died after falling into an unsafe, inappropriate and illegal pit toilet at a daycare centre, and communities facing extreme weather events such as flooding are forgotten and left to fend for themselves.
The grassroots movement, Abahlali baseMjonolo, continued to face threats, harassment and little justice for members who have been targeted and killed. Nationwide water shortages continued to disrupt lives, and a report by the Presidential Climate Commission found that progress to act on climate change was too slow.
Throughout all of this, Amnesty International South Africa continues to monitor and work to hold those responsible accountable. We will not stop fighting. Take a look at our report here.
Justice for Popi and Bongeka
By Tegan Snyman, Research, Campaigns, and Communications Assistant
It has been eight years since Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula were murdered, and there has still been no justice for either woman nor closure for their families. This is why on 12 May 2025, exactly eight years after Popi and Bongeka were shot dead and their bodies left on the side of the road, Amnesty International South Africa held a picket outside the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto to raise awareness on the lack of action and demand an update on the inquest into their deaths.
Since their murders, both families have received very little communication on the status of the case, leaving them with no hope of justice being served. Full forensic evidence reports were never released and the initial police investigation was, according to the families, riddled with mistakes.
In 2020, Amnesty International highlighted Popi and Bongeka’s case during its annual Write for Rights campaign, and the investigation into their murders was reopened. The matter was then sent back to the National Prosecuting Authority in 2021 for a decision on prosecution. In 2023 we were informed by the NPA that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute and that their cases had been referred to the magistrate at the Protea Court as an inquest. The inquest had been submitted to the presiding officer, who referred the matter back to the investigating officer for further information. In November 2024, we were informed that the investigating officer had not responded to the request for further information, and that his commanding officer had undertaken to expedite the matter. Thereafter, a new investigating officer was appointed to deal with the magistrate’s request.
We remain concerned that it has taken almost two years to get to this point and that the inquest has not officially started – yet again highlighting a lack of urgency assigned to this matter.
During our picket, we engaged with passersby and raised awareness of Popi and Bongeka’s case. The general response of those we engaged was frustration and outrage at the continued lack of justice for victims of GBV. Unfortunately, far too many in South Africa can relate to this terrible story.
We ask for a commitment from the court to ensure that the inquest is conducted timeously, with the urgency it deserves.
We will continue to demand justice for Popi and Bongeka.
Youth Month: Power in Potential, Struggle in Reality
By Rejoyce Motaung, Activism Coordinator: Organising
Youth Month in South Africa is more than a commemoration — it is a call to action. Every June, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of the 1976 student activists who dared to speak truth to power. Their resistance sparked global attention, ignited change, and proved one critical point: when young people lead, transformation follows. Nearly 50 years later, their legacy continues — carried today by young human rights defenders in schools, universities, and communities across the country. Among them are the student leaders of Amnesty International South Africa’s university chapters: bold, passionate youth who believe in dignity, equality, and justice for all.
But even boldness meets barriers.
This quarter, several chapters reported difficulties in carrying out planned human rights activities — not from lack of commitment, but from systemic and institutional challenges that continue to undermine student organising. At the Walter Sisulu University Mthatha Chapter, Chairperson Thembokuhle Nsibanyoni noted that ongoing strikes and delays in structural budgets and venue access had significantly disrupted their annual programming. “Our chapter had every intention to be active,” she shared, “but our timeline and resources were completely derailed by circumstances beyond our control.” Similar sentiments were echoed by the Butterworth Chapter, which cited a lack of support from Student Affairs and unallocated funding as major hurdles. “We regret that we could not contribute to Amnesty’s activities during this period, we believe deeply in the mission — but we were simply not enabled to act.”
Furthermore, Amnesty International University of Cape Town chapter also reported that “due to continuous struggles with the university’s society administration, we were unable to secure a venue and university approval on two occasions. We made multiple attempts to go ahead with the events, with bookings being made 2 or 3 weeks in advance and getting quotes for catering, however, the university was unresponsive” said Shannon Van Rensburg, Secretary General 2024/25.
These barriers are a stark reminder that youth engagement does not happen in a vacuum. Even the most passionate young activists require institutional support, safe spaces, and access to resources in order to drive meaningful change. Without these, potential remains stifled, and the pipeline of human rights leadership runs dry.
Despite the obstacles, this quarter remained a critical opportunity to celebrate, resource, and elevate youth. Across the country, we have seen young people taking a stand on gender-based violence, freedom of expression, and the protection of human rights defenders. At Amnesty International South Africa, we see our youth chapters as incubators for lifelong leadership. They are not only building campaigns — they are building movements. And movements require momentum, collaboration, and care.
The Way Forward:
As a movement, we must respond not with frustration, but with focus. Youth Month reminds us that supporting young activists must go beyond symbolic recognition. It must include:
● Proactive institutional advocacy for funding, space, and administrative support on campuses
● Consistent training and mentorship to prepare youth for leadership under pressure
● Flexible program models that adapt to real-time student realities
● Solidarity networks to reduce isolation and burnout in organising spaces
The struggles faced by our student chapters this quarter reflect deeper truths about inequity in access, voice, and power. But they also reflect an unwavering commitment to justice — even in silence.
To every young activist who could not take to the streets, plan an event, or raise a banner this quarter: your struggle is seen, your potential is valued, and your voice still matters.
Let us not only honour the past — let us remove the barriers that stand in the way of our future.
Chapter Events
#JusticeForCwecwe: Amnesty International North West University Chapter Stands in Solidarity
31 March – 1 April 2025
By Tshegofatso Makgakga, Chairperson – Amnesty NWU Chapter
As South Africa rose in outrage demanding #JusticeForCwecwe, the Amnesty International North West University Chapter joined nationwide solidarity marches to show their support and call for justice.
While the events were primarily organised by political groups on campus, the issue — gender-based violence (GBV) — sits at the core of the chapter’s mission and priority areas of work. Our team is proud to be part of this initiative, representing our chapter alongside numerous other groups and individuals who shared the same concerns. The chapter’s presence showed that Amnesty stands with survivors and continues to fight for justice as calls for the end of GBV are never just about a moment, but rather form part of a bigger national movement.
#JusticeForCwecwe: Amnesty International Walter Sisulu University Mthatha Chapter Demands Justice
3 April 2025
By Thembokuhle Nsibanyoni – Chairperson, Amnesty WSU Mthatha Chapter
The Amnesty International WSU Mthatha Chapter, in collaboration with the SRC, took to the streets in a powerful peaceful march to the Mthatha Magistrate Court to demand #JusticeForCwecwe. With over 100 supporters in attendance, the march amplified a call for accountability in a case that shook the student community.
The group carried messages under the campaign themes #JusticeForCwecwe, advocating for justice and the protection of students. Chapter leaders delivered a formal list of demands, urging the court and authorities to respond not only with justice, but also with structural change in law enforcement and campus safety.
Despite concerns about potential disruptions, the march remained peaceful and focused. It marked a defining moment in the chapter’s activism journey — proving that even in the face of institutional resistance, student voices will not be silenced.
GBV Solidarity March: Amnesty International University of Pretoria Chapter Calls for Urgent Action
11 April 2025
By Amnesty International University of Pretoria Chapter
The Amnesty International University of Pretoria chapter joined Women For Change and other civil society groups in a bold march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to deliver a petition with over 150,000 signatures to Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, calling on the South African government to declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide a National Disaster.
Chapter members mobilised students, and used the opportunity to gather petition signatures, and demanded protection not only for GBV victims, but for the human rights defenders who support them.
Together, their voices formed one clear cry: Justice can’t wait — and neither can safety.
Igniting the Flame of Activism: Amnesty International Sol Plaatjie University Chapter Open Day Event
12 April 2025
By Katlego Kaziwa, Treasurer – Amnesty SPU Chapter
Future leaders met human rights action when the Sol Plaatje University Chapter participated in this year’s Open Day event hosted by the university. Over 100 matriculants from across the country came to explore university life — and through the stall set up by the chapter, found a path to activism.
The chapter introduced Amnesty International’s mission, shared updates on urgent campaigns, and inspired learners to be part of the change. The highlight? Several over-18s signed petitions in support of justice — before even becoming students.
“We’re not just recruiting future members, we’re nurturing tomorrow’s changemakers.” Said one member.
Candlelight Vigil: Amnesty International Walter Sisulu University Mthatha and Butterworth Campuses Calls for #JusticeForSisonke
16 April 2025
By Thembokuhle Nsibanyoni – Chairperson, Amnesty WSU Mthatha Chapter
On a solemn evening in April, the WSU Mthatha chapter, with the support of the Butterworth chapter, hosted a candlelight vigil in memory of Sisonke, a fellow student tragically shot. The vigil, held on campus, brought together students, community members, and human rights defenders to mourn, reflect, and demand justice.
As candles lit up the darkness, supporters called on authorities to ensure campuses are safe and to hold perpetrators accountable. Flowers, placards, and public messages emphasized the urgency of the #SafeCampusNOW demand, as the chapter positioned itself as an unwavering voice for vulnerable students. The chapter also highlighted Amnesty’s support and mobilised over 40 new supporters to join the cause. Despite emotional challenges and fear of institutional obstruction, the vigil became a space of resilience and collective healing. The chapter honoured Sisonke by refusing to stay silent and this was more than a vigil — it was a promise to keep fighting.
Art Meets Activism: Amnesty International University of Pretoria Chapter’s Red Hand Stunt
27 April – 18 May 2025
By Amnesty International University of Pretoria Chapter
From late April into mid-May, the University of Pretoria chapter launched a bold Red Hand Mural and stunt to raise awareness within the student community and demand greater protection for human rights defenders in South Africa.
Timed during a period of national concern around GBV and children’s safety in schools, the mural and campaign drew strong attention and activists called on the government to pass legislation that safeguards those fighting for rights and justice.
With many taking part, art met action, and the message rang loud: Defenders need defending too.
Mahikeng Human Rights Education in Action: Amnesty International North West University Chapter’s Open Day
10 May 2025
By Tshegofatso Makgakga, Chairperson – Amnesty NWU Chapter
On 10 May, the Amnesty International NWU Mahikeng Chapter brought human rights education to life during the university’s open day event. Learners from across the country were invited to engage in a dynamic stall — filled with games, quizzes, and eye-opening discussions on social justice and activism.
Participants, who are future students of the university, left feeling empowered and informed about the importance of human rights, with a deeper understanding of Amnesty International’s mission as well as how to stand up for rights in their own communities.
HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION
By Rejoyce Motaung, Activism Coordinator: Organising
Deepening Human Rights Education through Teaching Consent and Building Confidence – (Amnesty International South Africa and Her Pride Foundation Deliver Ground-Level Human Rights Education)
In June 2025, Amnesty International South Africa partnered with Her Pride Foundation to deliver a targeted workshop on Consent and Gender-Based Violence to over 150 Grade 8 learners at Botebo-Tsebo Secondary School in Sebokeng. The session was tailored specifically for young girls and boys in Her Pride Foundation’s development programme, many of whom were learning for the first time about sexual assault or coercion.
This was not simply a workshop — it was a deliberate act of rights restoration where we engaged learners in age-appropriate conversations about bodily integrity, choice, power, and protection, while simultaneously strengthening their understanding of consent as a legal and moral principle. The session included tools on how to report a violation, what support structures exist, and how to advocate for oneself without shame.
Importantly, the intervention demonstrated the value of school-based, trauma-sensitive rights education, particularly for underserved communities. It reaffirmed that human rights education must be embedded early, intentionally, and with empathy — not only to build knowledge, but to equip learners with the confidence and language to demand dignity.
The need for these interventions is urgent. If we are to build a culture of rights and respect in South Africa, consent education must be mainstreamed — not as an afterthought, but as a foundational part of learning.
Thank you to Ms Dladla and Botebo-Tsebo for creating the space for the workshop.
Reimagining the Classroom: Human Rights at the Heart of Education – (Amnesty International South Africa contributes to a national dialogue on Rights-Based Education)
Amnesty International South Africa was invited to contribute to a vital conversation at the Department of Basic Education’s 2025 Learner Leadership Summit, held from 25–27 June 2025 in Benoni. Representing our Executive Director, Shenilla Mohammed, I joined a high-level panel discussion on ‘Re-looking at the Human Rights-Based Approach to Education’, alongside Prof. Madlingozi from the South African Human Rights Commission, Hana Yoshimoto from UNICEF, Mr Medupi from the South African Principals Association, as well as members of School Governing Bodies and the Representative Council of Learners.
Our input focused on advancing a framework that goes beyond policy compliance to a holistic and active transformation of the system. We emphasized the necessity of infusing human rights into every aspect of school life — from governance and pedagogy to safety, participation, and psychosocial wellbeing. For Amnesty International South Africa, a human rights-based education system must do more than inform; it must empower and protect.
Key to our contribution was the principle that the education sector has to take the lead in providing human rights education in schools which will ultimately contribute to ending human rights injustices in society as a whole.
As we shape the future of South African education, we must ensure that schools evolve into safe spaces of human rights and dignity — where learners do not just learn about rights but live them daily.
You can watch the recording below:
Annual General Meeting Recap
By Dorothy Rowland, Marketing Consultant
On Saturday, 28 June 2025, members from across the country came together for Amnesty International South Africa’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). It was a powerful day of democratic participation, reflection, and solidarity.
This year’s AGM was marked by strong engagement from all four of our member hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and East London, and those who joined us virtually. Their participation gave life to both the formal sessions and the spirit of activism that defines our movement.
We were grateful to have Karyn Maughan as our guest speaker this year, who spoke about the horrific threats and challenges to her work as a journalist and human rights defender. Amnesty International South Africa continues to call for legislative protection for people like Karyn Maughan, and many others who defend human rights.
The day also featured a powerful address by Flavia Mwangovya, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director, Movement Engagement and Operations for East and Southern Africa. Flavia offered regional insights and reminded us of our interconnectedness as part of a larger African and global movement.
Other key highlights from the day included:
● The election of three new Board members, enhancing our leadership with expanded skills in fundraising, governance development, and increased youth representation.
● A robust Accountability Session, where members raised important questions and engaged directly with the Board and Executive Director.
● A bold pride solidarity stunt held in support of the LGBTI community in Hungary, affirming the core values of solidarity across the movement.
The success of this year’s AGM would not have been possible without the dedication of the Preparatory Committee and Nominations Committee, who worked diligently to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and well-organised process.
The AGM reaffirmed the strength of our movement and the passion of our members. Let us continue building on this momentum for a future rooted in human rights, dignity, and justice.
ERADICATE PIT TOILETS
The presence of pit toilets in schools threatens children’s right to life, dignity, health, quality education and basic sanitation.
— @AmnestySAfrica (@AmnestySAfrica) April 2, 2025
The Department of Basic Education has continuously shifted the deadline to eradicate plain pit toilets in all schools in South Africa. It promised… pic.twitter.com/snGJhUmhJ3
Walter Sisulu University protests
We are concerned by reports of violent clashes at @WalterSisuluUni and call for restraint from all parties involved. @SAPoliceService must be given full access to the crime scene to ensure a thorough, timely and efficient investigation. @WalterSisuluUni must listen to the…
— @AmnestySAfrica (@AmnestySAfrica) April 15, 2025
#JUSTICEFORCWECWE
A report of an 8-year-old girl being raped, allegedly by another learner, at a school singing competition shows yet again that nowhere is safe for women and girls. The criminal justice system must act promptly, with a swift and thorough investigation that leads to prosecution.…
— @AmnestySAfrica (@AmnestySAfrica) May 14, 2025
In the first quarter of 2024, Amnesty International South Africa was interviewed on various human rights topics.
Watch/listen to some of those interviews below.
Amnesty International South Africa Campaigner Cassandra Dorasamy spoke to Newzroom Afrika about the urgent need to eliminate pit latrines in schools.
Click on the video above to watch.
On 5 May, SANEF Executive Director Reggy Moalusi joined eNCA to discuss the launch of the CREATE Project—a bold new initiative to protect journalists and human rights defenders in South Africa. Led by the South African National Editors’ Forum, Lawyers for Human Rights, and Amnesty International South Africa, the coalition is taking a stand against rising threats and intimidation.
Click on the image above to watch.
Following the launch of Amnesty International’s annual report, Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa, spoke to eNCA and warned that the global system of rules-based human rights is under threat.
Click on the image above to read more.
Eritrea: Human Rights Council must vote to extend Special Rapporteur’s mandate (hover to flip)
Togo: Authorities must investigate allegations protesters were tortured and end crackdown on dissent (hover to flip)
Urgent need to protect civilians amid unprecedented escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran (hover to flip)
Mahmoud Khalil released! (hover to flip)
Countries must act fast to save the Sustainable Development Goals (hover to flip)
BECOME A VOTING MEMBER TODAY AND HELP STEER AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE.
Ready to stand up and defend justice, freedom and equality for all? Believe in people power? Eager to use your passion for human rights to help shape our movement?
Our members make change possible. They’re the people we call on whenever and wherever human rights are under attack. Their actions, big and small, put pressure on governments, institutions and decision-makers to do the right thing.
