October has been a month of growth, impact, and connection at Justice Desk Africa. From our Youth Ambassadors Mental Health Connect to exciting new team additions, we’ve been busy expanding our reach and refining our efforts to foster meaningful change.
This month, our Umoya session brought joy and colour to the lives of elderly residents, and we joined hands with the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies for a garden clean-up. Parents participated in an empowering workshop focused on building children’s self-esteem, while our iNtsika boys led a safety and security campaign to raise awareness around key social issues in our communities.
Here’s a closer look at the highlights that shaped our October.
Youth Ambassadors Mental Health Connect
We brought together 75 Youth Ambassadors and Justice Society members for our Mental Health Connect event in October. With exams around the corner, we created a safe space for young leaders to openly discuss mental health, share experiences, and learn tools to manage stress and anxiety.
Guest speaker Educational Psychologist Dr Tshepiso Matenjie shared coping techniques like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand when overwhelmed and using sensory exercises to reconnect with your body during stressful moments. The session was all about building resilience, self-care, and peer support. Many left feeling empowered to speak up about their mental health and support their peers.
The Youth Ambassadors Program empowers young people in various high schools to become Everyday Activists and champions of human rights across Africa.
Umoya Program Nature Session
Our recent Umoya session was all about creativity, connection, and community! We made beautiful, tropical flower crowns with our Umoya residents, brightening up their day with bursts of colour and joy.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, Big Brothers, and Amagorhakazi’s for spending your Saturday morning giving back. Your love and dedication made this day extra special.
Mbokodo Superhero Session
Not all heroes wear capes, but these ones do! At the recent Mbokodo session, our girls embraced creativity and strength, designing their own superhero capes with what makes them unstoppable.
They showed off their capes in a fun runway, celebrated sisterhood, and built each other up as true heroes. The day continued with self-defense and mixed martial arts workshops to boost their confidence and skills.
A big thank you to our GivenGain donors for your generous contributions! Your support enables us to continue our important work with children and vulnerable communities across Africa.
Exciting News!
We're thrilled to share that our Founding CEO Jessica Dewhurst has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the International Presentation Association (IPA) at the United Nations in New York.
The IPA works across 20+ countries to champion justice and equality worldwide. Jessica will remain closely connected to Justice Desk Africa, welcoming new leaders and continuing our mission to empower changemakers across Africa.
Community Clean-Up at Bonteheuwel Peace Gardens
Our Level 4 Mbokodo and iNtsika Heroes spent their Saturday transforming the overgrown Peace Garden in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, back into a welcoming space for everyone. Usually cared for by the community, the garden had become too much to manage.
Our boys and girls came together to bring new life to the Peace Garden in collaboration with the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies. They cleared overgrown grass, picked up litter, pulled out weeds, and filled bag after bag with garden refuse.
Welcome Thabang Edwin Molapo
We are excited to welcome Thabang Edwin Molapo to the Justice Desk Africa Board of Governors.
As a distinguished audit and governance expert, Thabang will be involved in the portfolios of Finance and Programs. He brings a wealth of knowledge in public service, transparency, and social justice to our mission.
iNtsika yeThemba Boys Take Action
Our boys led a powerful Safety and Security Campaign, marching through the streets of Khayelitsha and Nyanga to present their demands to the Lingelethu and Nyanga Police Stations.
With support from the community, they voiced concerns on crime, violence, gangsterism, and the lack of safe spaces for youth development. We are proud of our boys for opening a dialogue with the police and standing strong as young leaders. Together, we are building a safer, stronger community.
Mariasdal Combined School needs your help!
One of our Youth Ambassador program schools in Tweespruit, Free State, is facing major challenges. Once a private Catholic institution, it's now a government school supporting 300 learners from nearby farms, offering hostel services, meals, and a place to live.
Donate to help us raise funds to fix broken windows, repair plumbing and electrical systems, and improve sports facilities.
Parent Workshops
Our Psychosocial Intervention (PSI) team hosted powerful parent workshops in Nyanga and Bonteheuwel, diving into the essentials of nurturing self-esteem in children.
From positive self-talk to creating supportive environments, parents learned to spot signs of healthy versus unhealthy self-esteem and practical ways to build a strong foundation for their children’s confidence.
Employee of the Month
Welcome to Toney, our newest Justice Desk Africa staff member!
His interests include food, cuddles, sleeping, and social justice.
Spotlight on our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Partner the V&A Waterfront
This month, we are proud to highlight our CSI Partner the V&A Waterfront for their continuous support and donations towards our programs.
Thanks to their unwavering support in our events, assistance with prizes, expanding our network, and generous donations, we're making a massive impact across Africa. Contributions like these fuel our ability to provide vital support to the children in our programs.