This piece by Canon Collins Trust Scholar and Master of Laws candidate, Abongile Nkamisa and Bwanika Lwanga pulls no punches. South Africa's legal system is at a crossroads. Corporate law firms are challenging the Legal Sector Code, using procedural arguments to stall transformation. But this is not just a technical debate. It is a clear effort to protect privilege and maintain a status quo that excludes most South Africans.

The authors draw a direct line from apartheid-era legal strategies to today's resistance against change. Three decades after democracy, the legal profession still mirrors old hierarchies. Diversity policies exist, but real power remains in the hands of a few. Transformation is treated like a public relations exercise rather than a constitutional imperative.

This article is not subtle, and it should not be. It asks the legal profession to make a choice. Will the law be used to open the doors of justice or to keep them closed? If the Constitution is a tool for social justice, then it cannot coexist with legal strategies that entrench inequality.

The message is simple. If the law is not actively advancing justice, it is reinforcing power. That is not neutrality. That is complicity

Our alum, Aarti Bhana, recently travelled to and wrote an insightful reflection on how global experiences can reshape how we think, work, and connect. The piece offers more than a snapshot of life in a fast-moving country. It highlights the quiet, everyday moments that reveal how deeply the future is embedded in the present.

From navigating cities with seamless digital payments to stepping into driverless cars, the experience is a reminder that innovation is not just about technology. It is about how people live, move, and adapt. And when we travel with curiosity and openness, we do more than observe. We learn. We connect. We start to see how different ways can inform our approaches to home challenges.

Travel is not a luxury. It is a form of education. And when those experiences are shared through storytelling, they multiply in value. Stories from the ground help break down stereotypes, challenge assumptions, and show what is possible. They also remind us of our shared humanity.

Gerson Shikukumwa speaks from a place of principle and empathy, urging us not to look away from the human cost of the Israel-Iran conflict. He reminds us that when civilian spaces are turned into battlegrounds and diplomatic norms are disregarded, it's not just politics at stake but people's lives, safety, and dignity.

Gerson is a Canon Collins Scholar and a master's student in Political Science at the University of the Free State. He writes as a political scientist. His offer here is not a political line but a call for moral consistency, for protecting human rights no matter who is involved.

In a world that too often chooses sides instead of choosing humanity, voices like this matter.

Corruption in plain sight: A powerful new investigation in the Mail & Guardian reveals how officials in Johannesburg are linked to the hijacking of RDP houses in Freedom Park.

The article was written by Canon Collins Trust Alum and the 2024 Sylvester Stein Fellowship winner, Aarti Bhana. The fellowship, created in memory of Sylvester Stein, supports journalism in southern Africa with a strong focus on human rights and social justice. This is precisely the kind of work it was meant to support.

On 21 May, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled Budget 3.0

In this NewzRoom Afrika interview ahead of the budget speech, Canon Collins alum and Section27 Budget Analyst Matshidiso Lencoasa shares key insights into what was missing and why real investment in public health and education, especially the absorption of trained doctors and teachers, cannot be delayed.

A strategic budget must go beyond numbers. It must serve people.

What happens when we apply rhyme analysis to English translations of a Latin epic? Canon Collins Trust Scholar Bronwyn Bowles King's new article offers a fresh and compelling perspective on Virgil's Æneid, revealing how rhyme, often considered secondary in classical translation, can reshape our experience of the text.

In Part 1 of this series, she explores how rhyme clusters, slant rhymes, and sonic echoes heighten or disrupt meaning unexpectedly. This is not just literary analysis; it's a deep engagement with how language and sound travel across time and translation.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in literature, classical studies, poetry, or translation theory.

What do you do when your usual research tools stop working? Canon Collins Scholar Faith Gara found herself facing this question during fieldwork in Cape Town's Cape Flats. With no car, limited access to digital tools, and long commutes through under-resourced areas, she discovered something powerful. By slowing down, being present, and listening closely to people in everyday settings, she uncovered a different kind of knowledge. One shaped by struggle, transformation, and everyday acts of resistance. Her journey is a reminder that even in uncertainty, there is purpose and meaning.

Charlotte Scott, a Canon Collins Scholar and PhD candidate in Climate Change at the University of Cape Town, makes a compelling case for framing genocide as both a human rights and a climate justice issue. Using the current situation in Gaza as a focal point, she explains how acts of mass violence often target critical civilian infrastructure like water systems, agriculture, and healthcare. These attacks cause immediate human suffering and deepen long-term environmental harm and social vulnerability. Scott argues that climate justice cannot be separated from political context. When entire populations are made deliberately more exposed to climate risks through war and occupation, environmental collapse becomes part of the weaponry. The piece is a call to recognise that justice for people and justice for the planet are inseparable.

A recent study by Canon Collins Trust Scholar and UCT PhD candidate Fadia Gamieldien highlights a critical gap in South Africa's mental healthcare system. While clinical treatment is essential, many individuals with severe mental health conditions find themselves without adequate psychosocial support upon discharge from psychiatric facilities. This lack of community-based services hinders their personal recovery and reintegration into society.​

How does education shape (and reflect) social justice? In this episode of It's Just Research: Critically Questioning the World We Live In, hosts Liam Cini O'Dwyer and Canon Collins Alum Dr. Sara Black dive into her PhD research on critical geography and the sociology of trust.

Dr. Black unpacks how schools mirror our relationship with the state, exposing deep-seated patterns of mistrust in public institutions. She explores who truly benefits from education—and who is left behind—through the lens of wealth, class, and access. Plus, a powerful insight: poverty is not just about money but time. How far ahead can you plan your future? How does that impact everything from school applications to daily life?

Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges how we see education, justice, and opportunity

When Those Who Should Defend the Constitution Become Its Greatest Threat

Progressive constitutions are the backbone of democracy—sacred frameworks meant to be upheld, not broken. But what happens when those entrusted to protect them are the first to violate them? In a compelling analysis, constitutional lawyer and Canon Collins Trust Alum, Dr Justice Alfred Mavedzenge warns that postponing Zimbabwe's 2028 general election to extend President Mnangagwa's term could ignite a constitutional crisis and trigger the collapse of government. Such a move, he argues, would be a direct violation of the constitution, plunging Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region into political turmoil with devastating consequences. As the nation stands at a critical crossroads, Mavedzenge's insights highlight the urgent need to uphold constitutional mandates for the sake of stability and democracy.

How do we balance competition and cooperation in a world where global powers contend, and environmental priorities demand urgent attention? Canon Collins Scholar and PhD Candidate Kudakwashe Manjonjo, co-author of "Great Power Competition and Green Protectionism," explores the intricate tensions between economic rivalry and pursuing a sustainable future.From carbon tariffs to clean energy innovation, this insightful article examines how geopolitics influences the green transition and its implications for our planet and policymakers.

Namibia’s electoral democracy is under the microscope! Dive into this revealing analysis by Canon Collins alum Dr Justice Alfred Mavedzenge as the Supreme Court tackles the heated 2024 Presidential Election Petition. Allegations of rigging, a disputed voting extension, and questions about fair play are sparking a debate that could redefine Namibia’s future.

A country's budget is more than a tally of numbers; it's a revealing glimpse into the nation's future. In this incisive CityPress piece, coauthored by Canon Collins Alum Matshidiso Lencoasa, bold economic promises, government spending, and hidden pitfalls are laid bare. The article also highlights the urgent need to invest in education, especially for young girls. It challenges us to ask: Are we truly building a foundation for lasting change?

Read more here

Namibia’s high voter turnout highlighted its vibrant democratic spirit, but logistical hiccups—like ballot shortages and tech glitches—cast a shadow.

In this thought-provoking article, Canon Collins Scholar and political scientist Gerson Shikukumwa challenges us by asking a critical question: Can Namibia address these flaws and build a resilient, independent electoral system?

South African universities have the potential to drive profound societal transformation. By addressing critical challenges like poverty, climate change, and unemployment, they can move beyond academics to shape critical thinkers and impactful changemakers. In this compelling piece in the Mail & Guardian, Canon Collins Trust Executive Director Ivor Baatjes argues that it’s time to reimagine higher education—championing equitable access, safeguarding academic freedom, and fostering a culture of active, engaged citizenship. Let’s build institutions that not only educate but also uplift and serve the public good.

How can we ensure LGBTQIA+ individuals receive compassionate, evidence-informed care? Canon Collins Trust Alum Dr. Marion Stevens, alongside co-authors, delves into the urgent need for creating safe, inclusive healthcare spaces. This insightful article highlights strategies to empower providers and promote equitable treatment for all.

Namibia stands at a crossroads ahead of the national elections, with the possibility of electing its first Black female president. This historic moment promises progress in gender equality and leadership, yet public opinion remains divided. Is this a step toward real change or simply symbolic?

Explore the compelling debate and insights from Canon Collins Trust fellows in an article by Evelina Amakali.  

Abongile Nkamisa, a Canon Collins LLM Alum and Lawyer at Open Secrets joined Newzroom Afrika's Xoli Mngambi to unpack a critical issue: South Africa’s arms exports worth over R3 billion to Israel’s allies.

As conflicts escalate in the Middle East, with the Israel-Hamas and Hezbollah wars threatening regional stability, Abongile sheds light on the ethical and legal implications of these exports.

Dr Darlington Tshuma, a Canon Collins Alum, Research Fellow at Istituto Affari Internazionali's Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa Programme, and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at UNISA, joined Newzroom Afrika with Masa Kekana to discuss South Africa's pivotal role as it prepares to assume the G20 presidency in 2025. 

In July 2008, a head-on collision left Canon Collins Trust Alumna Edith "WeUtonga" Katiji in a coma for two weeks, fighting for her life in a Harare hospital. When she awoke, she emerged with a renewed perspective on life, a fresh name for her band, and a revitalized musical purpose. In this episode of In Conversation with Trevor, Edith opens up about her journey as a musician and activist, her studies, and how she uses her music to tackle social issues. She also reflects on the recognition her impactful work has received.

Too many pregnant women in rural Malawi face barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their right to health and dignity. In this powerful article, CCT Scholar Golda Rapozo highlights the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and their children. 

This compelling piece by Canon Collins Trust Scholar and PhD Candidate Tony Manyangadze explores the relentless challenges, from physical violence to psychological scars, endured by media professionals who pursue truth in hostile environments. As freedom of expression is stifled, journalists face an uphill battle to report the stories that matter, reminding us of the crucial, often dangerous, role the press plays in defending democracy. A must-read for those committed to media freedom and justice.

CCT Alum Darlington Tshuma and Bongiwe Ngcobo explore the potential of South Africa's G20 presidency to drive meaningful reform in global governance. They argue that SA can use this platform to address key issues such as inequality, climate change, and fair representation for emerging economies. This leadership opportunity could help reshape global policies, pushing for more inclusivity and equity while amplifying the Global South's voice on the international stage.

In this insightful article, Canon Collins Scholar Gerson Shikukumwa emphasizes the importance of active political engagement for nation-building in Namibia. He argues that politics is not merely about power but about collective decision-making, which is key to addressing issues such as inequality, unemployment, and resource distribution. Shikukumwa also stresses the need for ethical leadership and the active participation of all citizens to build a just and prosperous future.

Higher Education Transformation Through Multi-Sector Collaboration: This insightful article by Ivor Baatjes, Executive Director, Canon Collins Trust, explores how collaboration between various sectors can drive meaningful change in higher education in South Africa. This approach addresses systemic challenges and creates a more equitable, inclusive, and innovative education system by engaging stakeholders across academia, government, and the private sector. 

Literature has long been a tool for social justice in Southern Africa, shaping the fight for freedom and equality. In this award-winning essay from the Troubling Power Essay Competition, Canon Collins Trust Scholar Chikumbutso Ndaferankhande highlights the critical role of writers in decolonisation, challenging power structures, and fostering community-centred activism. He calls on Southern African authors to continue using their stories to confront oppression and inspire change, proving that literature remains a powerful catalyst for justice.

Honest conversations about South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) are often clouded by class divisions. This thought-provoking piece by Abongile Nkamisa explores the challenges in addressing these divides and the need for transparent dialogue to ensure equitable healthcare for all. Dive into the discussion and join the conversation on the future of NHI.

Canon Collins Trust Scholar Aarti Bhana looks at a new study revealing that expanding South Africa's digital platforms sector could significantly boost the economy. From e-commerce to ride-sharing, these platforms are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for growth and job creation. 

Canon Collins Scholar Yolisa Piliso shines a spotlight on a critical issue ahead of South Africa's general elections. Yolisa emphasizes that child participation extends beyond observation; it's about actively involving children in discussions and decision-making processes impacting their lives, from education to government policies.

Discover how TVET colleges can play a crucial role in climate change resilience for municipalities! In this insightful article, Canon Collins Scholar Helga Jansen-Daugbjerg discusses the potential of vocational education to equip communities with essential skills for environmental challenges. Learn how local training programs can drive sustainable development and mitigate climate risks. 

In this eye-opening article, Tsogololathu Itaye shares her experience as a social worker in Malawi when Cyclone Freddy hit the Southern African country. She argues that social workers are not recognised as an asset, yet they can play a critical role in all phases of disaster risk management.

South Africa is grappling with a teenage pregnancy crisis. Recent data from 2023/24 reveals that 1 in 4 girls become mothers before age 20, and over 2,700 girls aged 10-14 gave birth in public healthcare facilities. Watch Canon Collins Alum Dr. Marion Stevens, a leading expert in sexual and reproductive justice, discuss this pressing issue and the urgent need for solutions.

The world of jazz isn't just about the music—it's also about the fight for equality. This article by Canon Collins Trust Scholar Aarti Bhana highlights women's struggle in the jazz industry, where patriarchy still dominates. From battling gender bias to challenging the status quo, female jazz artists are making their voices heard. Dive into the conversation and see how they're shaking up the scene. 

Canon Collins Trust Scholar Tsogololathu Itaye discusses the challenges and unkept promises of a better Malawi three years after the historic 2020 elections. She highlights that despite high hopes, the nation grapples with corruption and economic instability.

What can entrepreneurs learn from political coalitions? Canon Collins Trust Alum Dr Steven Zwane's latest column in Sowetan Live explores the parallels between business and politics, highlighting how strategic alliances, negotiation skills, and shared goals can drive success. Entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights into collaboration and adaptability from observing political coalitions.

Canon Collins Alum Tendai Mikioni discusses how embracing the diaspora vote can enfranchise Zimbabweans abroad, ensuring their constitutional right to vote despite being away from home. He argues that this crucial step aligns with democratic principles and can significantly impact future elections, empowering economic nomads and strengthening the nation's democratic framework.