We’ve put together a list of opportunities, news, resources, and events that you may be interested in. We would love to hear from you. Should you have and opportunities, news, resources, and events you would like to share with the African civic tech community, please email Nkosinathi Mcetywa at nkosinathi.mcetywa@wits.ac.za
Source: Photo by Tara Winstead
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
#KeepItOn Advocacy Fellow
Access Now is a growing international human rights organisation dedicated to defending and extending the digital rights of users at risk around the world, including issues of privacy, security, freedom of expression, and transparency. The organisation’s policy, advocacy, technology, and operations teams have staff presences in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), North America, and South/Southeast Asia, to provide global support to their mission. The #KeepItOn Advocacy Fellow will participate in and amplify the #KeepItOn campaign to fight internet shutdowns. This Advocacy Fellow will work primarily in the #KeepItOn campaign fighting internet shutdowns globally. They will work directly under the supervision of our #KeepItOn Campaign Manager, and will support the team’s day-to-day planning and execution of campaigns and rapid response against internet shutdowns, support in writing joint statements/blog posts/open letters/publications, engaging with the #KeepitOn coalition members in response to shutdowns, and assist in cleaning up and updating the coalition’s members’ database…read more
Apply Here
Closing date: Friday, 04 August 2023
GAP Innovation Competition
The GAP Innovation Competition in collaboration with Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Emory University Business School, Atlanta Georgia, and Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (Tasez) is looking for innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs that are working on novel technologies that will improve the efficiency of government service delivery, increase the competitiveness of the local economy and enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens. Categories are in the ICT, Medical, Biosciences, Green and Township economies. The GAP Innovation Competition is open to individuals, small teams and business entities operating from Gauteng townships or have solutions for township economies. Winners of the GAP competition will be incubated at The Innovation Hub in Pretoria, Gauteng (Maxum, BioPark or Climate Innovation Centre).…read more
Entry link
Closing date: Monday, 07 August 2023
Futures Literacy Masterclass
Future Africa (University of Pretoria), in partnership with Tayarisha Centre for Digital Governance based at the Wits School of Governance is offering a Futures Literacy Masterclass at the Future Africa Campus. This four-day masterclass offers participants an innovative, intensive, and extensively field-tested learning-by-doing voyage. The masterclass is designed as a mix of lectures and participatory workshops. Participants will learn from experts Riel Miller, Geci Karuri-Sebina, and Koffi Kouakou. Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to explore different ways to think about and “use the future” for various purposes, with a special focus on anticipatory governance…read more
Applications can be submitted to Jason.owen@futureafrica.science or lea.huffermann@futureafrica.science
Date: 15-18 August 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
Gauteng launches digital fingerprint system to fast track identification of unclaimed bodies
The trauma of families going from one government mortuary to another, looking for missing loved ones, will be a thing of the past in Gauteng after the provincial health department introduced a new digital fingerprint system. The fingerprint system will address the challenges of unclaimed and unidentified bodies. In partnership with the Centre for Public Service Innovation and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the system was launched at Germiston Police Station on Thursday, 13 July 2023. It uses biometric technology and has access to databases from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service, and the National Credit Bureau’s database to help identify bodies…read more
Mandela Day Reminder to Stand Witness to Human Rights Defenders
Inspired by the life story of the late iconic South African President, Nelson Mandela, the Stand As My Witness Campaign was launched on Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July 2020 by CIVICUS, its members and partners. In commemoration of the third anniversary of the Stand As My Witness campaign, CIVICUS and its partners, including human rights defenders, hosted a public event titled, ‘Celebrating Human Rights Defenders through Collaborative Advocacy Efforts’, to celebrate the brave contributions of human rights defenders and raise awareness about those who are still in detention. Lysa John, the Secretary General of CIVICUS, spoke about how special Mandela Day is, for it is the one day of the year when the spirit of solidarity is celebrated in his memory. It is also a day to reflect on what has been achieved and how much more could be achieved in solidarity. She further addressed issues of civic space restrictions, closure of civic space and how these restrictions impact societies and individuals…read more
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Podcast: Building and Sustaining Civic Tech initiatives in Libya
In this episode of the Digitally Yours Podcast, Yosr Jouinir, Managing Director at Technoloxia, spoke with Amged Badr from Libya about his experience building and promoting civic tech initiatives, the challenges he faced and his thoughts on digital transformation in the country. Amged also shared his thoughts on how to sustain and fund tech initiatives launched by civil society and how the internet can be a tool for inclusivity in Libyan society.
Listen on Spotify
Empowering Leaders: Unleashing the Impact of YouLead Africa projects
Join Charter Project Africa on a journey of empowerment as they showcase the incredible impact of YouLead-Africa projects in shaping the next generation of leaders. In this video, they delve into the role of YouLead Africa in empowering youth to become leaders and occupying decision-making positions in political processes and spaces across Africa. Be inspired and discover how these projects equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate complex political landscapes and influence meaningful outcomes. From grassroots activism to international diplomacy, YouLead Africa champions the idea that young voices matter and can shape the future of our continent. YouLead-Africa encourages us all to unleash the transformative power of youth leadership and create a brighter, more inclusive future for Africa…read more
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MENA Monthly Meetups
The MENA monthly meetups bring together digital rights defenders from the MENA region to share, connect, seek help, and release stress by celebrating one another. The event is held in both in English & Arabic. In addition, it’s a time to find ways to support, and help each other understand what is happening within the MENA region…read more
Date: Thursday, 27 July 2023
Time: 3pm-4pm (CAT)
Event link
Tayarisha Lunch Box Series with Dr. Kagiso ‘Tk’ Poe
The recently released report entitled ‘The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture’, in early 2022, has brought the number of established Commissions of Inquiry (CoIs) in post-1994 South Africa to 12, depending on the definition used. Moreover, post-2011, there has been an exponential increase in the use and establishment of CoIs in South Africa’s political and legal governance environment.
Join Tayarisha Centre for Digital Governance for their next installation of the Tayarisha Lunch Box Series with Dr. Kagiso ‘Tk’ Poe as he presents on “Commission of inquiry: hybrid hollowing out of State governance.”
Read More
Date: Thursday, 03 August 2023
Time: 12pm-1pm (CAT)
RSVP with Zibusiso.Manzini-Moyo@wits.ac.za
Digital Divas Summit Early Bird Ticket
Innovation City is an invitation-only community of digital start-ups, scale-ups, corporates, entrepreneurs, world changers and innovators. It is a world-class network that helps accelerate digital innovation in Cape Town through fostering co-creation. The Digital Divas Summit aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in business. It provides participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to excel in their careers. Whether you’re an aspiring student, an early-career professional, or a seasoned veteran, this summit is designed to cater to your needs. One of the key highlights of the Digital Divas Summit is the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Renowned professionals, thought leaders, and trailblazers will share their expertise, insights, and experiences, providing attendees with valuable lessons and inspiration. It’s a chance to stay up-to-date with cutting-edge technologies and best practices, ensuring that you’re at the forefront of the industry. Grab your Early Bird ticket now!
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Date: Friday, 25 August 2023
Time: 8am – 8pm (CAT)
