This week — International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and unpacking the pink vote

On Monday, 24 June at 3pm, the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) and Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) will have a side event at the Human Rights Council titled ‘Decriminalising Sex Work: A Human Rights Imperative’.

“Multiple human rights mechanisms have reaffirmed and recommended to states that decriminalising sex work is a necessary pre-condition to the full realisation of human rights including but not limited to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Amongst the many principles that underpin the need to decriminalise sex work is the framework of the right to bodily autonomy, which highlights that consent and autonomy of all people are fundamental while making laws and policies. The side event will showcase evidence from sex worker movements on the human rights imperative to decriminalise sex work if states want to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights of everyone,” read the event description.

This will take place at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Register here



On Tuesday, 25 June, at 1pm,  the Nelson Mandela University Transformation Office will host a Pride Youth Month engagement.

“Abongile Quthu, SRC Vice President of Stellenbosch University will be discussing the post-election discourse of South Africa’s seventh administration, unpacking the pink vote and the intersection of queerness and the electoral processes. This event aims to illuminate the significance of queer participation in democratic practices and the broader implications of LGBTQIAQP+ communities,” read the event description.

This will take place on Zoom, RSVP to [email protected]

Wednesday 26 June is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse, this year’s World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use, according to the United Nations information page on the event.

Read more in Daily Maverick: International Day Against Drug Abuse: A new struggle for SA’s young

“The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment”.



On Thursday, 27 June at 10.30am, the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance is hosting a discussion on State-CSO relations: Re-igniting social movements in the era of authoritarianism and polarisation.

The discussion will focus on re-igniting social movements amidst authoritarianism and polarisation.

Special guests include Tania Haddad, Sibongile Ndashe, Brian Raftopoulos and Mark Heywood.

This will take place at the Linkoping House, Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance UCT Lower Campus and on Zoom.

Register here 

For more information, contact [email protected]



Also on Thursday at 3pm, the Climate Justice Charter Movement (CJCM) will host a CJCM People’s and Workers Assembly on climate emergency social contract.

Register here

Read the climate emergency social contract here



On Friday, 28 June at 5.30pm the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, will be hosting a screening of the documentary Mother City.

“The film offers an opportunity to walk in the shoes of the oppressed and dispossessed; to understand the real struggle of people who need homes closer to socio-economic activity — that they are not simply banished to the outskirts of urban areas. It grapples with the right of access, and of fairness to actively participate in an urban economy,” read the event description

RSVP here



Also on Friday, at 1pm, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is hosting a Facebook live discussion in honour of Substance Abuse Awareness Day, on “Exploring different options for substance use” with Charles Young, a professor of psychology and a clinical psychologist

Watch the live discussion here



On Saturday, 29 June at 1pm, The Triangle Project in collaboration with Advance, will host a community event to address gender-based violence and femicide impacting LGBTQ+ individuals.

Speakers include Vinolia Sidukwana, Co-founder, Ubuntu Queer Collective and Tholakele Skosana co-founder of Aycace LGBTIQ+.

This will take place on Facebook Live

DM