Human rights are the bedrock of a just society, but ensuring they are upheld requires both grassroots action and systemic change.
In our recent interview on Bush Radio 89.5FM, we spoke with Nicholas Tlatlane, Programs Manager at Justice Desk Africa, about the organization's work to empower everyday citizens across the continent to defend and advance their rights.
Justice Desk Africa was founded in 2013 and now operates in multiple countries including South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Kenya. The organization’s reach and influence are a testament to its grassroots, community-driven model of human rights advocacy.
From
Aspiring Lawyer to Human Rights Advocate
Nicholas shared his personal journey, beginning with his early interest in law and politics during his university studies. After gaining experience in youth development and the corporate sector, he found his true calling at Justice Desk Africa, combining his passion for social justice and empowerment.
His work centers
on equipping ordinary people — not just activists or professionals — to
understand, protect, and promote human rights within their communities.
"Everyday
activism is about ordinary citizens standing up for their rights and the rights
of others," Nicholas emphasized.
Utah
Masada Program: Youth Leading the Way
One of Justice
Desk Africa’s flagship initiatives is the Utah Masada program, which
operates in 53 schools across nine African countries.
This program focuses on training young people to become human rights defenders
in their schools and communities.
Among its
successes, a representative from Utah Masada was recently sent to the United
Nations to present on environmental issues affecting Zimbabwe, highlighting
the global impact of their local initiatives.
Navigating
Cultural Challenges
Working across
diverse cultures brings unique challenges, especially when cultural practices
conflict with international human rights standards.
Nicholas acknowledged that while Justice Desk Africa respects cultural
identities, they do not shy away from confronting practices such as child
marriage and child labor.
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The organization
tailors its programs to fit different cultural contexts while maintaining firm
adherence to universal human rights principles.
Government
Relations: Frustrations and Opportunities
One of the
ongoing difficulties Justice Desk Africa faces is navigating relationships with
government bodies.
Bureaucratic delays, limited engagement, and slow responses have often hindered
progress, especially in addressing pressing issues such as gang violence
and gender-based violence.
Nicholas called
for greater government support for civil society organizations, noting
that collaboration is essential for sustainable change.
Future
Challenges: Defending the Right to Education
Looking ahead,
Nicholas voiced serious concerns about education rights in South Africa.
He warned that budget cuts affecting teacher salaries and resources
could lead to higher school dropout rates and decreased educational
quality.
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In addition,
Justice Desk Africa aims to engage Chapter 9 institutions and legislative
bodies to ensure that rights-based advocacy remains a priority.
How
to Support Justice Desk Africa
Public support is
critical for the continuation and expansion of Justice Desk Africa’s programs.
Nicholas encouraged listeners to:
- Support their work financially
through their official website
- Stay informed about human rights
issues
- Advocate for better government
support for education and youth development
Justice Desk
Africa will also host an international conference in July at Stellenbosch
University, bringing together Utah Masada representatives from across
Africa to share strategies and successes.
For more
information on their programs and ways to get involved, visit: www.justicedeskafrica.com
Presenter: Qais and Jasnine Roberts
Producer: Lydia M
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