This week's big civil society events: from female genital mutilation to Steve Biko lecture

On Tuesday, 20 May at 2pm, the Centre for Human Rights will host a webinar to launch the publication, Female Genital Mutilation in Africa: Politics of Criminalisation.

The publication examines the complex politics surrounding the criminalisation of female genital mutilation in Africa. It explores the motivations behind criminalisation efforts, the challenges of implementation and the sociocultural factors that influence the effectiveness of legal frameworks. 

Register on Zoom. 



Also on Tuesday, at 5.30pm, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will host the launch of new research on how African traditions preserve humanity in war.

“The important new update to the Tool on African Traditions and the Preservation of Humanity in Warfare, first introduced in 2021, highlights traditions and practices that African communities used to protect civilians and those no longer fighting during conflicts. With 23 active armed conflicts currently affecting millions across the continent, the ICRC IHL unit, led by the regional legal adviser, Sarah Mabeza, supported by legal adviser Tamalin Bolus, conducted further research to explore traditions and practices,” the organisation said.

Venue: Pretoria Country Club, 241 Sidney Avenue, Waterkloof.

On Wednesday, 21 May at 8am, the New South Institute will launch its report on how the 1994 generation of South Africa’s public servants are approaching retirement, and “how will this shift affect efforts to professionalise the public service?”

Venue: Classroom Africa, Gordon Institute of Business Science campus, Johannesburg.

RSVP for the report launch and discussion here.



Also on Wednesday, at 5pm, Stellenbosch University will host its  Seventh Annual Africa Day Lecture, delivered by legal scholar, Professor Joel Modiri.

“This year’s lecture, titled ‘The Three Deaths of Steve Biko: Towards a Jurisprudence of the Irreparable’, marks a significant moment in our country and the life of the university. It inaugurates the next series of the Africa Day Lectures under the leadership of the newly appointed rector and vice-chancellor, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, and continues a tradition of convening critical voices to reflect on the role of the university in an ever-changing and often fractured world. Moreover, we reflect on a historical juncture, 30 years after the TRC was established, when several post-TRC cases and inquests are being (re)opened, and the post-1994 generation has come of age,” the organisers say.

Venue: Stellenbosch University Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street.

Register here.



On Saturday, 24 May at 9am, the Joburg Crisis Alliance will launch its Civic Saturdays campaign to mobilise communities to organise and advocate for their rights and improved service delivery. The programme includes a mural painting, clean-up activities and a community history session.

Venue: Noordgesig Community Centre, 28 North St, Noordgesig, Soweto. DM