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In conversation with Aaron Mupeti

In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, LLM in Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) students at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights (EIDR) clinic, Joshua Duku and Sayid engage with human rights lawyer and disability rights advocate Aaron Mupeti to unpack the challenges and possibilities for disability inclusion in South Africa. Mupeti, a quadriplegic and practicing attorney, draws from his lived experience and professional expertise to explore the meaning of true inclusion, emphasizing the need for people with disabilities to be actively involved in all aspects of society, from policy design to education and employment. He highlights the enduring infrastructural and systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in rural areas, and calls for a shift in societal mindset, from viewing disability through a charitable lens to embracing it as a fundamental human rights issue.

In conversation with Judge Edwin Cameron, Rebecca Gore and Sohela Surajpal

This episode of Africa Rights Talk delves into the often-invisible world of South Africa’s prison system through a compelling conversation with the authors of Behind Prison Walls: Unlocking a Safer South Africa, Judge Edwin Cameron, Rebecca Gore, and Sohela Surajpal. Drawing on their extensive experience at the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), the trio sheds light on the systemic violence, overcrowding, and lack of accountability that define life behind bars. The discussion explores the motivations behind writing the book and how it fills a critical gap in public understanding of incarceration and justice. With firsthand insights and reflections, the authors emphasize that prison reform is not just a matter of policy, but a moral imperative rooted in human rights.

 

In conversation with Takudzwa Mharadze

In this episode of Africa Right Talk, the conversation unfolds against the backdrop of the upcoming international conference themed “Advancing Justice through Reparations: Reparations, Restoration, and Renaissance,” that was held from 2–3 June 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. This landmark event was co-organised by the University of Pretoria, the University of Goma, the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, in collaboration with key African Union human rights bodies and CARICOM. The conference brought together academics, policymakers, activists, and experts to explore strategies for reparative justice, with papers to be published in the 2025 African Human Rights Yearbook. Central to this episode is a compelling discussion with Takudzwa Mharadze, who emphasises the need for unified Africa-Caribbean action to demand reparations, restore dignity, and challenge the lingering impacts of colonialism and slavery.

In conversation with Seán Coughlan and Dr. Joyce Wamoyi

In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, we spotlight a transformative conversation on ending childhood sexual violence (CSV) with Seán Coughlan, Director of To Zero, and Dr. Joyce Wamoyi, Tanzanian Principal Investigator for the Parenting for Lifelong Health digital programs. Together, they unpack A Vision to Zero, a groundbreaking global roadmap co-created by over 50 organizations and 330 field leaders committed to eradicating CSV. Seán discusses the importance of African-led solutions in shaping global agendas, while Joyce reflects on the powerful impact of the ParentApp Teen initiative in Tanzania, which has significantly reduced sexual violence against children through digital parenting support. Explore the A Vision to Zero Roadmap and the Toolkit for practical strategies and evidence-based interventions.

In conversation with Isabella Tabares

In this inspiring episode, Africa Rights Talk speaks with Isabella Tabares, founder of Footprints of Uganda, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering rural Ugandan communities. Isabella shares her journey from volunteering at a young age to founding the organisation, which focuses on access to clean water, education, and sustainable community development. She recounts transformative experiences, such as organising a holiday event for 150 children and witnessing the daily struggles of families to access clean water. Isabella also discusses her mission to break cycles of poverty by providing educational opportunities, particularly for girls, and fostering long-term community empowerment.

The conversation explores the organisation's current initiatives, including their 'Building a Well' project, sponsorship programs for children, and plans for English language classes to improve educational outcomes. Isabella outlines ambitious future goals, like building a school and expanding support networks. She calls for collaboration through donations, volunteering, and raising awareness, emphasising that small acts of support can create significant change. Tune in for an uplifting discussion about resilience, impact, and the collective power to transform lives in Uganda.

Isabella Tabares is the founder and director of Footprints of Uganda, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering rural Ugandan communities through access to clean water, education, and sustainable development programs. With a background in human resources and years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Isabella has cultivated a deep passion for community service and advocacy. Her time volunteering and teaching in Uganda, where she spent four months immersed in the culture and witnessing the challenges firsthand, inspired her to establish Footprints of Uganda. Isabella holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Business and Asian Studies and a master’s degree in International Business. At 30 years old, she has traveled extensively, immersing herself in diverse cultures and fostering a lifelong love of learning about people and traditions from around the world. Isabella’s leadership focuses on creating long-term, community-driven solutions that address systemic challenges like poverty, health disparities, and lack of education—especially for women and children. Through initiatives such as the ‘Building a Well’ project and the sponsorship program, Isabella and her team aim to break cycles of poverty and improve quality of life in underserved regions.

For more about her work and to support Footprints of Uganda, visit www.footprintsofuganda.org.

This conversation was recorded on 03 December 2024.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc Limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386


The Centre for Human Rights is the regional headquarters of the Global Campus Africa, which comprises 13 partner universities across Africa and forms part of the broader Global Campus of Human Rights, which is a network of over 100 universities in eight regions with the vision and mission ‘to foster new generations of human rights defenders contributing to a world in which human dignity, equality, freedom, security, sustainable development, democracy and the rule of law are realised.’ We acknowledge the financial support from the European Union through the Global Campus for Human Rights.


 

 

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