SALO highlights
News, notices and events from SALO.
Youth Day 2026: Reflecting on 50 Years Since the Soweto Uprising
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 …
World Day Against Child Labour 2026: "Red Card to Child Labour – Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults" - 12 June 2026
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 …
Lwazi Somya - DIRCO + SAIIA symposium - 25 May 2026
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 …
What Africa Day Reminds Us - 25 May 2026
Africa Day isn’t just a commemoration, it’s a reminder. A reminder that Africa is not a monolith, but a magnificent mosaic of 54 nations, over 2,000 languages, and countless stories of resilience, creativity, and courage. It reminds us that …
International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: “At the heart of democracy”
IDAHOBIT is celebrated every 17 May to mark the 1990 decision by the World Health Organisation to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. This landmark affirmed that who you love is not an illness. Still, …
Celebrating Workers’ Day: Honouring Labour and Achievement
Workers’ Day, observed on 1st May each year, is a global celebration dedicated to honouring the contributions and rights of workers. Also known as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, this day recognises the struggles, achievements, …
Freedom Day: Honouring Liberty, Unity, and Progress – 27 April
Freedom Day, observed annually on 27 April, is one of South Africa’s most significant public holidays. It commemorates the first democratic elections held in 1994, when all citizens, regardless of race—were allowed to vote for the first …
International Transgender Day of Visibility | 31 March
Visibility, Safety, Dignity and Equal Rights for All Recognition, inclusion, and dignity are fundamental to building just and equitable societies. Today, we shine a light on the resilience, leadership, and contributions of transgender and …
Why the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims Matters
March 24, 2026, is a reminder that no society can truly heal without confronting its past. The right to the truth empowers victims, strengthens the rule of law, and prevents impunity. Whether through supporting human rights defenders, …
Human Rights Day 2026: 30 Years of Making Human Dignity Real
On 21 March 2026, South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day—a solemn reminder of the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where apartheid police killed 69 peaceful protesters. This day honours the immense sacrifice of those who fought for the …
Mx Nxumalo - GenSouth Geneva - Feb 2026
Mx. Busisiwe Nxumalo is pictured (first from the left in the front row) with participants and contributors of the GenSouth 2026 program, gathered in Geneva. They came together to advance new perspectives from the Global South on the future …
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation | 6 February 2026
The theme for 6 February 2026, “Towards 2030: No End To FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” underscores the urgent need for long-term, collective action. Achieving the goal of eliminating FGM by 2030 requires sustained …
SALO's Dr Tawanda Sachikonye presenting on South Africa's 2025 G20 Presidency for the Africa Studies Center's (ASC) 109th seminar 2025
Dr Tawanda Sachikonye was invited to present on South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency for the Africa Studies Center’s (ASC) 109th seminar. The ASC is based at Tokyo’s University of Foreign Affairs, and is one of Japan’s premier African studies …
16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children closely aligns with SALO’s core values and its long-standing commitment to advancing human rights, dignity, and social justice. Addressing gender-based violence is central …
International Day of Democracy - 15 September
The International Day of Democracy, observed every year on the 15th of September, was established by the United Nations in 2007 to celebrate and promote the principles of democracy worldwide. It is a moment to reflect on the importance of …
World Humanitarian Day - 19 Aug
Observed annually on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day is an international commemoration dedicated to honouring humanitarian workers, particularly those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The day was established in remembrance …
World Refugee Day: A Global Call for Solidarity
Every year on June 20, the international community observes World Refugee Day, a United Nations-designated day dedicated to honouring the courage and resilience of refugees worldwide. The day serves as a reminder of their rights, struggles, …
Celebrating Workers' Day: Honouring Labour and Achievement
Workers’ Day, observed on 1st May each year, is a global celebration dedicated to honouring the contributions and rights of workers. Also known as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, this day recognises the struggles, achievements, …
Celebrating Freedom Day: Honouring Liberty, Unity, and Progress - 27 April
Freedom Day, observed annually on 27 April, is one of South Africa’s most significant public holidays. It commemorates the first democratic elections held in 1994, when all citizens, regardless of race—were allowed to vote for the first …
International Transgender Day of Visibility - 31 March
Today we commemorate Trans Day of Visibility, which falls every year and is celebrated internationally on 31 March. This day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in our …
