Staff members from Creative Consulting & Development Works took part in today’s protest at Parliament, advocating against the passing of the so-called ‘Secrecy Bill.’
Check out some photos from the day’s event:
Creative Consulting & Development Works opposes Secrecy Bill
September 28, 2011
Creative Consulting & Development Works joined the Right2Know march to parliament on Saturday 17th September in opposition to the controversial “Secrecy Bill” which threatens freedom of information and could impose harsh prison sentences on whistle-blowers. Right2Know are a grassroots coalition against the proposed Secrecy Bill which successfully managed to co-ordinate 2 000 protesters on the march to parliament including at least one former ANC cabinet minister, the premier of the Western Cape, the Mayor of Cape Town, academics and journalists. The bill was to come before parliament 3 days after the march to be voted into law and was withdrawn for consultation. PengaTV interviewed activists including Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Creative Consulting & Development Works Communications Co-ordinator Michelle Cruywagen. Comment on the PengaTV video clip below. Have your say! What’s your take on the Secrecy Bill?
Why the Secrecy Bill is a threat to community struggles for local democracy and service delivery?
According to Right2Know the Protection of Information Bill (The Secrecy Bill) is a proposed law that threatens to turn our country into a nation of secrets and thus undermine many of our hard-won freedoms. The Right2Know Campaign along with many others have been fighting to get this Bill scrapped. Even though the government and the ANC have agreed that there are serious problems with the Bill and have promised to engage in further parliamentary debate, the fight against the Secrecy Bill cannot stop and must be intensified. If passed in its current form, it will give government officials huge powers to hide all kinds of important information from you and your community.
Share what you think by replying to us via Facebook or leave a comment below!
Cape Town Happenings: Tri Continental Film Festival
September 16, 2011
If you’re into documentaries and being made aware of issues and initiatives throughout the world, then the Tri Continental Film Festival is for you.
Our office has been buzzing about the line-up all week, selecting our must-see’s and predictable favorites. Films come from all over the world, accredited by a slew of film and art-based accelades. It’s only in Cape Town for a week, and is an event not to be missed!
In particular, we’re keeping an eye out for the TAC documentary, ‘Taking HAART’, a world premiere. This particular film will be shown on: Sat 17 Sept – 14:00; Wed 21 Sept – 20:00; and Fri 23 Sept – 17:30
From the site:
TAC- Taking HAART contains never before seen footage, lead- ing viewers through one of the most extraordinary struggles in post-apartheid South Africa. The film raises the moral culpability of those responsible for withholding treatment while standing as a heartfelt tribute to those who have died and to those who engaged in twelve years of remorseless activism led by the Treatment Action Campaign.
Check back here and let us know your favorite(s).
To learn more about the event, click here. For a schedule, click here.
- Happy viewing!
NPO workshop
July 26, 2011
We just came across this peer-to-peer education workshop and wanted to share it with you all! Hosted by Inyathelo, this workshop focuses on NPO (non-profit organisation) registration and establishment.
It’s a free event and covers topics including:
- How is an NPO registered?
- What entity should we establish?
- Do we qualify as a PBO?
- How do the latest developments in the Companies Act affect us?
The event is on August 4th. Be sure to reserve your spot by tomorrow (Wednesday), July 27th. To find out more, click on the link HERE.
- Masande Drama Group entetained at the celebration: Photo: Development Works
Catholic Welfare and Development (CDW) has re-launched its Bonne Esperance Refugee Shelter for Woman and Children. They recently celebrated this momentous occasion with a special post –Refugee Day gathering.
The celebration kicked off with CDW Director, Lungisa Huna giving a brief history of Bonne Esperance and linked the work they have done to the Cape Townbased development organization’s mission of unleashing the ability of individuals and supporting community independence. Representatives Vanessa Coulson and Chae Li Diong from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) grabbed the audience’s attention as they spoke of the international lawful situation, relating to refugee and why the role of amenities like Bonne Esperance are vital to the local refugee response.
There was an especially memorable moment when a Home Affairs representative addressed the serious challenges asylum seekers face during the application process and how Bonne Esperance has assisted with addressing backlogs. It was mentioned that Bonne Esperance made sure that “no stones are left unturned” when it comes to helping foreigners in need. Survivors of conflict, trauma and dislocation from their home countries and former Bonne Esperance residents, also made appearances at the launch to testify to the Shelter staff’s commitment.
According to a press release for the event, through Bonne Esperance, vulnerable women are supported and the cycle of violence is breached and young people are guided towards heartwarming lives. The Shelter also encourages local integration that includes getting South Africans to understand reasons behind refugee migration intoSouth Africaby facilitating educational training in response to the racism, xenophobic attacks that surfaced in May 2008. To date Bonne Esperance has assisted approximately 20 000 people; opened its doors to the defenseless and helped them transition into a reconstruction and healing phase ; as well as assisted over 60 families with rehabilitation and reintegration into communities around Cape Town.
To learn more about the Bonne Esperance Shelter please visit their website by clicking here.
