Advocacy 4 Justice & Dignity

This March, we commemorate Human Rights Month under the theme: “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real.” As we mark 30 years of our Constitution, the tourism sector has a vital role to play in making real.

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“The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemns military escalation in the Middle East.

The U.S. plans to process up to 4,500 refugee applications per month from white South Africans.

A State Department document reveals expanded operations, including the installation of trailers at the U.S. embassy in Pretoria for refugee processing.

The policy accelerates admissions for white South Africans while restricting refugee intakes from other regions.

This initiative follows Trump's 2025 immigration policies, specifically granting exceptions for Afrikaners.

🎉 Congratulations to all directors who have successfully completed the CIPC Learn-i-Biz Directors Course. Your commitment to strengthening governance, compliance, and sustainable business practices contributes meaningfully to a stronger SMME sector.

If you have not yet enrolled, now is the time.
👉 Take the next step in building your leadership capacity and register for the course today.
🔗 Scan the QR code or use the link to start https://bit.ly/4ttbRZh

Are you ready to build a career in solar and renewable energy?

Applications for the Certified Solar Programme 2026 are now OPEN!

Mentec Foundation in partnership with SEDFA and NYDA invite you to apply, here: https://forms.gle/Kwai3fn7bqLxPhVp8

Closing date: 15 February 2026

The NYDA Job Preparedness Training prepares young people for the world of work.

The training is designed to equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge to enhance their employability and successfully transition into the workforce.

Modules covered include:

· Self-assessment

· CV drafting

· Interview preparation

· Maintaining a professional image

Register and apply online via the NYDA ERP Portal to participate: https://erp.nyda.gov.za

Need to contact UNHCR's South Africa Multi-Country Office?
All UNHCR services are always free. If need assistance in South Africa, dial our toll-free Helpline at 0800 100 030.

Operating hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

For refugees and asylum-seekers seeking assistance with voluntary return to their country of origin, please contact the helpline on Wednesdays or alternatively, you can send an email to: [email protected]

For more information on services rendered by UNHCR and its partners, visit https://help.unhcr.org/southafrica/

📢Lawyers for Human Rights in collaboration with Section27 and Collective Voices for health invites you to: A Webinar on how to make submissions on the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection (2025)📢

On 12 December 2025, The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) released the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which is intended to be a step towards a complete overhaul on South Africa’s migration system. The DHA has invited public comment on the paper, with the deadline for comments extended until 15 February 2026 (See a copy of the call for comment and the extension here: https://shorturl.at/JEg1j

The proposed policy framework has significant implications for communities across the country, including citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers, and other vulnerable groups.

It is crucial that communities and civil society organisations understand the policy’s impact and are empowered to contribute meaningful submissions during the consultation process.

In essence, the more submissions the Department receives by people that are either directly or indirectly impacted by this policy reform, the better it would understand people’s concerns and recommendations.

Date: Tue, Feb 3, 2026
Time: 0:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Platform: Microsoft teams
Register here https://shorturl.at/0R5a2

We look forward to the engagements and attendance!

How do we make care systems work better as people live longer?

Join us at to explore future-ready care pathways for later life, from housing to financial well-being.

📅 3 Feb | 🕒 1:15–2:30 PM | 📍 CR.12 UNHQ NY
🌐 https://bit.ly/ageing-care-event

💬

Calling South African Graduate Students & Young Scholars!

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028 is now open! 🎓🇺🇸

Celebrating 80 years of Fulbright in 2026, this flagship academic exchange program has empowered South Africans to pursue master’s and PhD studies at leading U.S. universities, fostering academic excellence, leadership, and global collaboration, since 1953.

Whether you’re a postgraduate student, researcher, or early-career professional, this is your opportunity to study in the United States, expand your global network, and contribute to solutions that matter.

🗓 Apply by: April 8, 2026
What the Fulbright scholarship offers:

📌 Full tuition and academic fees
📌 Living stipend and return travel
📌 Access to world-class U.S. institutions and research networks
📌 A transformative cultural and professional exchange experience

📌 Opportunities available for:
Master’s and PhD degree study
Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) pursuing PhD research

🔗 Learn more, check eligibility, and apply via the link (https://za.usembassy.gov/fulbright-foreign-student-program/) or the QR code on the flyer.

🇺🇸🇿🇦

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAMME 2026

CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS - R150 000 MAXIMUM GRANT AMOUNT

The Competition Commission South Africa (Commission) launched its Multidisciplinary Research Grant Programme (MRGP) to promote multidisciplinary research at South African tertiary institutions that can inform and enhance competition law enforcement in the country.
The Commission is pleased to present the fourth instalment of the MRGP and invites interested researchers and academics to submit research proposals relevant to competition law enforcement.
The programme is open to doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, academics based in South African tertiary institutions, and experienced researchers in research institutions.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION -https://www.compcom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Research-Grant-Programme-RFP-FY2026-updated-.pdf

Thematic areas
Constitutional rights and competition enforcement approaches
Algorithmic pricing in South Africa I Competition issues in regulated sectors
Institutional design for competition enforcement | Consumer behaviour in South Africa
Enforcement of the amendments to Competition Act | Competition issues in the Commission's priority sectors
Criminalisation, fines and deterrent effects of competition law | Balancing personal data markets with privacy rights and security The design and efficacy of remedies in competition law | Legal and liability standards for competition enforcement
Gender, the environment, and SDGs as public interest issues in competition law Competition enforcement approaches to foster growth and development Evaluation approaches for public interest issues in competition law Cartel detection techniques and tools relevant to South Africa Competition dynamics in township and rural economies Merger implications for small buyers or small suppliers

Closing Date - 28 February 2026

For inquiry please contact - [email protected]