The foundation’s 2026 essay competition invites learners across South Africa to explore the country’s history and share their ideas for a more equal and just society. Article by Southern Courier | 26 August 2026

Activists demonstrate and remember corruption whistleblower Babita Deokaran, 23 August 2026, in Mondeor, Johannesburg, on the fifth anniversary of her murder outside her home. Organised by the Ahmed Kathrada foundation and supported by various groups, flowers were laid outside her home, with the Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia also attending. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen

JOHANNESBURG  – This year marks 70 years since the 1956 women’s march. It was one of the largest demonstrations in the country’s history. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation honoured the 20,000 women who participated in the mass action against apartheid pass laws.

JOHANNESBURG – The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation warns that debates around illegal immigration are being used to mobilise public frustration for political gain ahead of the elections. 

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) has joined a growing number of organisations calling for calm, as tensions around migration and undocumented immigration continue to rise in South Africa.

At the same time, civil society organisations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have urged restraint, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could fuel xenophobic violence. Several African diplomatic missions have also advised their citizens to remain vigilant ahead of the planned protests.

The civil society coalitions, spearheaded by the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture (CSWG), said this is despite Ramaphosa’s promise that the government would finalise its approach to setting a permanent anti-corruption body during his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA).  The coalition, of more than 20 civil society organisations, was established in…

Meanwhile, civil society organisations, including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have appealed for restraint, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could trigger xenophobic violence. Several African diplomatic missions have also advised their citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant ahead of the planned protests.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, which held its own national online rally over the weekend to oppose the anti-immigrant marches planned for Tuesday, is concerned the event could turn deadly.