The theme for this year’s Nelson Mandela Day is:

“It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity“

Poverty cannot be defeated by attacking the poor. Mandela Day challenges South Africans to confront poverty, inequality and exclusion without turning vulnerable communities against one another. It calls on citizens and institutions to defend dignity, uphold the Constitution, combat vigilantism and xenophobia, and renew the African solidarity that helped make South Africa’s freedom possible

“I am South African. I am Mozambican. I am Zambian. I am Zimbabwean. Migration is in our blood! The borders were created by colonisers.” – Graca Machel,  a former first lady of both South Africa and Mozambique (29 April 2015)

Watch here:

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the situation in South Africa: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2026-04-27/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-the-situation-south-africa

Organised Labour Statement: https://mediadon.co.za/organised-labour-statement-on-migration-and-south-africas-economic-crisis/

SASCO National – SASCO’s position on migration:  https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1041715581721146&id=100076481401170

Dunoon Residents Reject Vigilantism: : https://groundup.org.za/article/we-dont-want-an-anti-immigrant-march-here-say-dunoon-community-leaders/

• Media statement by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on migration: https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/media-statement-inter-ministerial-committee-migration-26-jun-2026
• Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration briefs the media: https://www.youtube.com/live/LGw2Or-va40?si=FSd8x9rEXo_KMLWk
• South Africa’s crises will not be solved by blaming migrants | Migration | Al Jazeera https://share.google/5GW6E0Xtw7FQtzigx
• ‘But God will make a way’, say Malawians queueing to leave South Africa | News24 https://share.google/JaDZcHz3Z4JluhmbT
• https://share.google/DLPh9TAfMDOD651Bu
•  https://share.google/prT50nTPLSPUZCB0E
• https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-28-open-letter-mass-arrests-of-foreign-nationals-the-rights-of-children-and-the-dignity-of-migrant-families/?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4
• https://www.news24.com/business/money/why-a-living-wage-in-sa-is-four-times-higher-than-the-minimum-wage-20260625-0997
• https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/south-african-labour-unions-urge-workers-shun-anti-migrant-protests-2026-06-17/
• https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/2026-06-21-king-misuzulu-appeals-for-restraint-against-foreign-nationals-let-no-blood-be-shed/
• https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-16-zimbabwean-mothers-deadly-ordeal-highlights-migrant-healthcare-crisis-after-sa-hospital-demands-upfront-payment-/
• https://www.lhr.org.za/lhr-news/joint-press-statement-for-immediate-release-joint-civil-society-response-to-president-ramaphosas-address-on-migration/
• https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-16-when-misinformation-becomes-a-weapon-afrophobia-social-media-and-30-june-/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1781670880

As South Africa commemorates Youth Day on 16 June 2026 and marks the 50th anniversary of the historic Soweto Uprising, the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO) joins the nation in honouring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the young people who helped shape the country’s democratic future.

This significant milestone provides an opportunity not only to remember the role played by the youth of 1976 in the struggle for freedom, dignity, and equality, but also to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing a new generation of South Africans.

In commemoration of this historic anniversary, SALO convened a series of dialogues under the theme Youth Perspectives on Human Rights, Social Cohesion and Democratic Inclusion in South Africa. These engagements brought together young people, civil society representatives, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting youth today, including democracy, human rights, migration, social cohesion, and inclusive participation in public life.

As we celebrate 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, we are reminded that the spirit of June 16 lives on through meaningful dialogue, active citizenship, and the continued pursuit of a just, inclusive, and democratic society. SALO remains committed to fostering platforms that amplify youth voices and contribute to building a future that reflects the values for which the youth of 1976 so courageously stood.

On June 12, the world observes World Day Against Child Labour under a powerful new slogan: “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”

Just like a red card stops play in a match, this year’s theme emphasises that child labour is unacceptable and must be halted immediately. Unfortunately, nearly 138 million children remain trapped in child labour, including 54 million who are engaged in hazardous work that endangers their health, safety, and future.

The 2026 World Day comes at a critical time, following the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakech. The newly adopted Marrakech Global Framework for Action outlines a clear roadmap. This includes expanding access to quality education, strengthening social protection systems, creating decent job opportunities for adults, and enforcing stronger laws and accountability mechanisms.

The theme highlights that ending child labour requires a dual approach: protecting children while ensuring that adults have access to fair wages and sustainable livelihoods. When parents can secure decent work, children are less likely to be forced into labour.

Raise the red card. Demand fair play for every child because childhood should be about learning and growing, not working.

Watch here:

Watch here:

Mr Lwazi Somya, the Manager of Policy, Advocacy, and Stakeholder Engagement and a Senior Researcher at the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO), served as a panellist at the Pre-Budget Vote Engagement public symposium. This event was hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in collaboration with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

The theme of the symposium was South Africa’s Foreign Policy in an Era of Global Fragmentation: Trade, Geopolitics, and International Law, and it took place on May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day. Among the distinguished guests were the Honourable Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, and the Honourable Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, who both served as panellists. Images and audio from the event were provided courtesy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, sourced from their official website and Facebook page.