Defend Our Democracy

Kristen Abrahams warns of democratic backsliding, where anti-democratic narratives are not only present, but increasingly celebrated. She warns that these are real and present dynamics. And while many concerns are valid, we must guard against their hijacking in ways that erode democracy.

He highlights what makes South Africa’s Constitution distinctive, from strong privacy protections to safeguarding citizens against both public and private power. While there are valid reasons to critique it, he argues that criticism must be informed and open-minded. On issues like land, he points to the Constitution’s aim of building a more egalitarian society, and cautions against the idea that it is meant to be a “doer.” @_FreeExpression @Code4Africa @WhyJudgesMatter @MbekezeliMB @ConCourtSA

Mbekezeli reflects on what constitutionalism meant growing up in Zondi, Soweto, and how a visit to @VisitConHill, once a site of incarceration for anti-apartheid activists, shaped his thinking. Influenced by scholars like Etienne Mureinik, he holds the Constitution in high regard. But asks, is it working? Does it reflect people’s values? Is it addressing injustice? @MbekezeliMB @WhyJudgesMatter #ConstitutionalChanges #DemocraticReform

Constitutionalism isn’t abstract, it shapes how power is exercised and how rights are protected. Today, we’re unpacking major proposed changes to the Constitution and asking, is this democratic reform, or are we drifting toward anti-constitutionalism? And importantly, what role should civil society organisations be playing in this moment? @MbekezeliMB @ConCourtSA @VisitConHill @WhyJudgesMatter #ConstitutionalChanges #DemocraticReform

🚨 Happening today 🇿🇦 2026 marks 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution. As part of #HumanRightsMonth, join Webinar 3 of our Constitutionalism Series as we unpack constitutional change, legal safeguards, and how to protect our democracy. 📅 19 March 2026
🕒 15:00
🔗 Register: bit.ly/3MWy8hV Are major constitutional changes democratic reform—or anti-constitutional moves? Let’s talk. 🗣️ #Constitution #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #Governanc

As we observe #HumanRightsMonth and #AntiRacismWeek in 2026, reflecting on 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, we ask: Are major constitutional changes a path to democratic reform—or anti-constitutionalism? Join the conversation in our Constitutionalism Series and share your thoughts. 📅 19 Mar 2026
🕒 15:00
Register: bit.ly/3MWy8hV #StandUp4HumanRights #Constitution #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #Equality

Reminder | Join us tomorrow Join the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation as we celebrate the winners of the 2025 National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism. The event will recognise the top participants in the essay, artwork and poetry categories, highlighting the powerful voices of young people speaking out against racism and sharing their ideas for a more inclusive South Africa. 📅 Saturday, 14 March 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM This is a virtual event. Register to receive the access link: 🔗us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist… You can also view the top 10 entries per category on our website: 🔗kathradafoundation.org/2026/03/10/ess… #KathyLegacy #UniteForInclusion #ActAgainstRacism

🎙️ Our Chairperson Rosalie Manning spoke to @SAfmRadio about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s position in the High Court on the recusal application against Justice Sisi Khampepe from the TRC Prosecutions Commission. 🎧 Full interview: omny.fm/shows/first-ta… #TRC #Constitution #Justice #SouthAfrica #DefendOurDemocracy

Today in History | Remembering Lilian Ngoyi On this day in 1980, South Africa lost one of its most courageous leaders, Lilian Ngoyi. She was one of the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 in protest against the pass laws. We can honour Lilian Ngoyi by name. Help us honour the others too. As South Africa prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March in 2026, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation continues its call to identify the thousands of women who stood alongside leaders like Ngoyi. While a few names are known, many remain missing from the historical record. Help us complete our Roll Call of Honour. Let’s honour them by name. If you know the name of a woman who took part in the march, please share it with us: 📧 info@kathradafoundation.org #WomensMarch1956 #RollCallOfHonour

🇿🇦 2026 marks 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution. This #HumanRightsMonth, join Webinar 3 of our Constitutionalism Series as we explore constitutional change, legal safeguards, and protecting our democracy. 📅 19 March 2026
🕒 15:00
Register: bit.ly/3MWy8hV Are major constitutional changes democratic reform—or anti-constitutional moves? Let’s discuss. 🗣️ #Constitution #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #Governance

[STATEMENT] Executive Conduct in TRC Prosecutions Commission Raises Serious Constitutional Concerns The position adopted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the ongoing High Court proceedings concerning the application by former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki for the recusal of Justice Sisi Khampepe from the commission investigating the failure to prosecute cases arising from the TRC raises serious constitutional concerns. Defend Our Democracy, joined by other civil society organisations who have endorsed this statement, maintains that this should trouble all South Africans. #TRC #DefendOurDemocracy #Accountability

Defend Our Democracy was at the Johannesburg High Court today supporting journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha and the News24 team. Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has approached the court seeking to halt reporting on News24’s investigation into the killing of municipal Chief Auditor Mpho Mafole. Efforts to limit journalists reporting on matters of public interest raise concerns about transparency and accountability. We stand with journalists who pursue the truth. #DefendOurDemocracy #PressFreedom

Anti-Racism Week takes place from 14-21 March 2026. This year’s theme is “Inclusive Always. Racism Never.” This action week is about more than awareness. It’s about creating space for reflection, dialogue and collective action to challenge racism in our communities, schools and institutions. There are many ways to get involved: -Host a discussion or workshop in your school, workplace or community -Participate in an Assembly Against Racism with young people -Start conversations that challenge prejudice and build inclusion -Support activities marking Human Rights Month and the fight against racial discrimination If you want to take part or learn more about how to get involved, read more here: 🔗kathradafoundation.org/2026/03/06/ant… Because confronting racism requires participation. #KathyLegacy #UniteForInclusion #ActAgainstRacism

Don’t miss out! This Human Rights Month, join us for Webinar 3 of our Constitutionalism Series, exploring different views and discussions around constitutional change and democratic safeguards. 📅 19 March 2026 🕒 3PM
Register: bit.ly/3MWy8hV #HumanRightsMonth #Constitution #Democracy #RuleOfLaw #Governance

Human Rights Month Webinar | Constitutionalism Series (Webinar 3) Major Changes to the Constitution: Democratic Reform or Anti-Constitutionalism? Join us for the third webinar in our Constitutionalism Series as we examine debates around constitutional change and what they could mean for democracy. 📅 Thursday, 19 March 2026
🕒 3:00 PM
🎙 Speaker: Mbekezeli Benjamin This discussion will explore: 
• Views on constitutional change raised in public forums and media
• Potential risks and constitutional safeguards that protect democracy
• The role of the judiciary, civil society, and citizens in upholding democratic governance 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/3MWy8hV Don’t miss this important conversation during Human Rights Month.

[STATEMENT] Defend Our Democracy welcomes the sentencing of former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith to seven years in prison for his role in the Bosasa’s corruption scandal linked to state capture.

As the world approaches International Women’s Day and South Africa prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March in 2026, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation invites the public to help us honour the 20000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the pass laws. While a few names are known, the majority are not. It is time to rectify this and honour them properly. If you know the name of a woman who took part in the march, help us complete our Roll Call of Honour. Submit names to: info@kathradafoundation.org View the current list on our website: 🔗kathradafoundation.org/1956-izimbokod… Read the full statement: 🔗bit.ly/40M2pmC #KathyLegacy #InternationalWomensDay #1956WomensMarch

[STATEMENT] Distortion designed to inflame, not inform. A seven-year-old Anti-Racism Week panel discussion has been edited and weaponised to manufacture outrage and fear. The allegations that the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation forces schools to host programmes, promotes violence against any racial group, or is funded or mandated by the State are false. This is not about truth. It is about fueling division. Anti-Racism Week stands for one principle: Inclusive always. Racism never. We encourage you to participate in Anti-Racism Week. Host a conversation, challenge prejudice, and stand for a South Africa that chooses inclusion over division. Read our full statement here: kathradafoundation.org/2026/03/03/the… Watch the unedited clip here: youtube.com/watch?v=d3Andu… #InclusiveAlwaysRacismNever #TruthMatters #KathyLegacy

Our National Organiser, Kabelo Kemp, is today attending a roundtable discussion hosted by @rivonia_circle & @SAIIA_info on “Rethinking Politics in an Era of Coalitions.” The discussion focuses on strengthening electoral reforms and navigating the future of coalition politics. #ElectoralReform #CoalitionPolitics #Democracy #PeoplesPower