The Social Justice Coalition (SJC) is a Khayelitsha based social movement and advocacy group campaigning for improved conditions in informal settlements and the promotion of more inclusive and equitable South African cities. Over the past four years the organisation has moved from responding to xenophobic violence to local government delivery. Along the way, it has learnt important lessons about how best to use people’s power across historic divides to promote meaningful and sustainable urban change.
Gavin Silber, a founding member and current Deputy General-Secretary of the SJC will reflect on the SJC’s trajectory of activism, highlighting the methods, modes, and roles of activism in addressing urban development challenges in Cape Town. In particular, he will focus on the lessons which can be learned from the SJC’s notable campaign for improved sanitation.