About Us

Tshintsha Amakhaya (TA) is a dynamic South African social movement dedicated to advocating for the development of rural and urban poor communities, land reform, and social justice. Our core mission centres on achieving just land and agrarian transformation, supporting marginalized communities in their quests for land access, food sovereignty, gender equality, and water and climate justice. Rooted in our mission and values, TA unites a diverse assembly of activists, organizations, and community formations. Our collective dedication is focused on advancing the rights and enhancing the overall well-being of both rural and urban disadvantaged populations.

This strategic document outlines our vision, goals, and key initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable and equitable future for marginalized communities, encompassing both rural and urban poor populations.

Vision:
TA’s vision is to assemble a self-reliant and organized critical mass, including other alliances, youth, activists, and movement leaders who are deeply rooted in community struggles. This collective force aims to drive social transformation and dignity by addressing the root causes of land and agrarian struggles. Ultimately, the vision is for both rural and urban populations to live in dignity, with access to land, resources, and services that secure their livelihoods and self-reliance.

Mission:
The mission of Tshintsha Amakhaya (TA) is to champion the development of rural and urban poor communities, advocating for land reform and social justice. Our core mission revolves around the achievement of just land and agrarian transformation, providing unwavering support to marginalized communities in their pursuit of land access, food sovereignty, gender equality, and water and climate justice. Rooted in our mission and values, TA unites a diverse assembly of activists, organizations, and community formations. Our collective dedication is laser-focused on advancing the rights and enhancing the overall well-being of both rural and urban disadvantaged populations.

Tshintsha Amakhaya (TA) draws its strength and influence from a diverse and committed array of stakeholders who collectively constitute our movement. Our stakeholders include:

1. NGOs and Civil Society Organizations: TA collaborates closely with numerous non-governmental organizations and civil society groups dedicated to addressing rural and urban development, land reform, and social justice.
2. Community Activists: At the heart of our movement are community activists who tirelessly work to champion the rights and well-being of marginalized populations in both rural and urban settings.
3. Leaders of Social Movements: We engage with leaders of social movements who share our vision for a more equitable South Africa and collaborate on initiatives that drive meaningful change.
4. Local Formations: Local organizations and formations, deeply rooted in the struggles of their respective communities, play an integral role in our network.
5. Youth Representatives: Recognizing the importance of the youth in shaping the future, we actively involve youth representatives who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our endeavors.
6. Gender Equality Advocates: We are committed to gender equality, and our stakeholders include individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting gender equity in all aspects of our work.
7. Water and Climate Justice Advocates: Given the significance of environmental issues, stakeholders working towards water and climate justice are vital partners in our mission.
8. Farm Dwellers and Labour Tenants: We directly engage with and support farm dwellers and labour tenants, addressing their unique concerns regarding land access and social justice.
9. Resource Networks: Collaborative partnerships with resource networks further extend our reach and enable us to access valuable information, tools, and support.
10. Alliance and Movement Partners: We work closely with other alliances and social movements that share our goals, fostering solidarity and collective action.
11. Donors and Supporters: Donors and supporters who believe in our mission provide the financial resources needed to sustain and expand our initiatives.
12. Government and Policy Influencers: Engaging with governmental bodies and policy influencers allows us to advocate for policy changes that align with our objectives.

Tshintsha Amakhaya thrives on the diversity, commitment, and collective efforts of these stakeholders, all of whom play indispensable roles in advancing rural and urban poor development, land reform, and social justice in South Africa. Together, we form a powerful force for positive change.

These strategic goals exemplify TA’s unwavering dedication to advancing rural and urban poor development, land reform, and social justice. They provide a clear roadmap for our activities and initiatives, directing our endeavors to establish a sustainable and equitable future for marginalized communities in South Africa. Tshintsha Amakhaya (TA), as a dynamic South African social movement, embodies a steadfast commitment to several fundamental principles and objectives:

• Goal 1: Empower Rural Social Movements

TA seeks to empower and amplify the voices of rural social movements by providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and platforms to advocate for their rights and interests effectively. TA’s primary goal is to advocate for land reform and agrarian transformation that ensures equitable access to land and resources for marginalized communities. TA works to strengthen solidarity within communities and between rural and urban poor populations.

• Goal 2: Advocacy for Just Land and Agrarian Transformation

TA is committed to advocating for equitable land and resource access for marginalized communities. Our objective is to effect policy change and influence decision-makers to realize just land and agrarian transformation.

• Goal 3: Enhance Livelihoods and Food Sovereignty

TA is dedicated to supporting small-scale farmers, farm dwellers, and farm workers in improving their livelihoods and achieving food sovereignty through sustainable agricultural practices. We empower communities to have control over their food systems, fostering food security and preserving traditional farming methods.

• Goal 4: Promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusivity

TA prioritizes gender mainstreaming and social inclusivity, ensuring equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes for women and marginalized groups.

• Goal 5: Advocate for Water and Climate Justice

TA actively engages in advocacy for water and climate justice, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable water management practices in rural and urban poor areas.

• Goal 6: Youth Engagement

TA recognizes the pivotal role of youth in driving change and actively empowers them through leadership development and educational programs.

• Goal 7: Advocacy, Research, and Policy Influence

Sound research is fundamental to evidence-based advocacy. TA conducts research activities to inform policy recommendations and influence decision-makers, facilitating positive change. TA will actively engage with policymakers, government institutions, and stakeholders to advocate for policies promoting just land and agrarian transformation. Our aim is to influence decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring the implementation of equitable and sustainable policies.

• Goal 8: Resource Mobilization and Sustainability

TA actively seeks funding and support to cover operational costs, sustain our organization, and expand our reach and impact in pursuit of our mission.

1. Enhanced Advocacy and Policy Influence: Through TA’s strategic goals, the alliance will be better equipped to conduct sound research, leading to more evidence-based advocacy efforts. This can result in increased policy recommendations and a greater ability to influence decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels.
2. Improved Livelihoods and Food Sovereignty: TA’s commitment to supporting small-scale farmers, farm dwellers, and farm workers can lead to improved livelihoods and increased food sovereignty. Sustainable agricultural practices and community empowerment efforts can enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
3. Promotion of Gender Equality and Social Inclusivity: By prioritizing gender mainstreaming and social inclusivity, TA aims to create more equitable access to resources and decision-making processes. This can lead to a more inclusive society where marginalized groups, including women, have equal opportunities and representation.
4. Advocacy for Water and Climate Justice: Through active engagement in advocacy for water and climate justice, TA can contribute to addressing environmental challenges. Sustainable water management practices can be promoted in rural and urban poor areas, leading to more environmentally sustainable communities.
5. Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development: TA’s commitment to youth engagement can empower young people to become leaders and change-makers. This can result in a new generation of activists and advocates who drive positive social change.
6. Resource Mobilization and Sustainability: By seeking funding and support, TA can secure the financial resources needed to sustain and expand its operations. This can lead to increased organizational capacity and a broader reach and impact.
7. National Movement Expansion: TA’s vision of becoming a national movement can lead to a stronger presence and influence in more provinces across South Africa. This expansion can result in a greater collective voice for rural and urban poor communities.
8. Strengthened Solidarity and Community Empowerment: TA’s efforts to empower rural social movements can strengthen solidarity within communities and between rural and urban populations. This can lead to more unified and effective advocacy for land reform and social justice.
9. Equitable Access to Land and Resources: TA’s advocacy for equitable access to land and resources can result in policy changes that benefit marginalized communities. This can lead to greater land security and improved living conditions for rural and urban poor populations.
10. Improved Well-being of Marginalized Communities: Overall, TA’s strategic goals aim to enhance the well-being of marginalized communities in South Africa. This can lead to improved living standards, greater social justice, and a more equitable society.

• Achievement: Empowering Rural Activists for Pro-Poor Land and Agrarian Reforms
  In May 2019, TA reaffirmed its commitment to equitable land access and rural community rights by supporting 350 activists. They marched to Constitutional Hill, demanding pro-poor land and agrarian reforms, food security, and sovereignty. TA empowered them, amplifying calls for reform. This event symbolized TA’s dedication to grassroots empowerment, raising awareness about pro-poor land programs. It set a precedent, emphasizing TA’s ongoing commitment to marginalized communities’ rights and a just, inclusive society.

• Achievement: Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities through Eviction Prevention Campaigns during COVID-19
  In 2020, TA demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 lockdown. Two campaigns, led by CALS and Ndifuna Ukwazi, gained TA’s support from April to June. Recognizing the pandemic’s challenges, TA aimed to prevent unjust evictions. By endorsing these campaigns, TA amplified CALS and Ndifuna Ukwazi’s voices, drawing attention to these injustices during heightened vulnerability. This endorsement catalysed increased awareness, advocacy, and action. TA united to protect the most marginalized, ensuring shelter during the crisis. This reflects TA’s dedication to social justice and community well-being, using its influence and resources. TA’s involvement exemplifies collective strength, highlighting a society where vulnerable communities have a voice and are treated with dignity and respect. These campaigns shaped discourse, policy dialogue, and legal interventions, facilitating meaningful change.

• Online Petition
  In June 2020, TA harnessed technology and social media for the #NoToEvictions campaign, using an online petition to gather virtual signatures and sustain media advocacy momentum. Following a successful 2019 Mass Action, TA partners effectively extended the campaign online, recognizing the importance of widespread support. The online petition gathered signatures from concerned individuals, uniting voices to protect vulnerable communities from evictions. This virtual participation allowed diverse people from various locations to amplify the call for housing rights and highlight the harm caused by evictions. Social media and online channels expanded the campaign’s reach, raising public awareness and engaging a broader audience. TA effectively conveyed the issue’s urgency, mobilizing virtual support and fostering solidarity around the campaign’s goals. This achievement demonstrates TA’s adaptability and innovation in using digital tools for meaningful change. The virtual signature collection and sustained media advocacy laid a strong foundation for continued activism, maintaining public attention, galvanizing support, and reinforcing the determination to challenge unjust evictions and promote housing justice for all. This accomplishment exemplifies technology and collective action’s power in advancing social justice and underscores TA’s commitment to innovative approaches in the fight against evictions.

• Achievement: Championing Agroecology and Accountability through Advocacy and Engagement
  In December 2022, the TA Alliance, in collaboration with agrarian sector social justice organizations, achieved a significant milestone by sending a powerful letter to the Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). This letter challenged the Minister on unspent funds and advocated for an Agroecology strategy within the department. TA and its partners demonstrated their commitment to transforming agricultural practices and addressing the needs of marginalized communities by emphasizing the urgency of redirecting resources to support those who have been historically marginalized. Advocating for an Agroecology strategy underscored the importance of sustainable farming practices, ecological balance, and empowering marginalized communities. This achievement exemplifies TA’s proactive and impactful role in advocating for positive change within the agrarian sector, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to agriculture and rural development that prioritizes equitable resourcing and the well-being of marginalized communities.

• Achievement: Empowering Communities through Local Engagement and Advocacy for Basic Services and Land Access
  TA has reached a significant milestone by empowering community formations and activists to engage with local municipalities and traditional leaders on essential issues. These engagements centre on advocating for vital services like water access and securing land for agricultural and livestock needs. Through unwavering dedication, community formations and TA-associated activists have played a pivotal role in addressing their communities’ requirements. By collaborating with local municipalities, they’ve drawn attention to the urgent need for services like water, crucial for community well-being. Simultaneously, their advocacy for land access for agriculture and grazing demonstrates TA’s commitment to resource sustainability. Engaging traditional leaders has facilitated dialogue, promoting equitable land access for livelihood activities. This achievement underscores the power of grassroots engagement and community-led advocacy in effecting positive change. By empowering community formations and activists, TA provides a platform for marginalized communities to voice their needs, influence decisions, and work toward an equitable and sustainable future. This reflects TA’s dedication to grassroots empowerment and belief in collective action’s transformative potential, ultimately paving the way for improved services and land access for marginalized communities.

• Achievement: Empowering Activists through TA National Indabas as Platforms for Political Education
  TA’s National Indabas in 2019, 2020, and 2022-mark significant achievements in empowering activists through political education. These platforms facilitated knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and a deeper grasp of socio-political issues. By organizing these events, TA provided spaces for activists to exchange ideas and engage in vital discussions related to agrarian and social justice. These gatherings equipped activists with essential tools and knowledge to navigate complex challenges, fostering individual growth and collaboration among participants. By prioritizing political education, TA demonstrated its commitment to empowering agents of change. The Indabas not only enriched collective knowledge but also nurtured a network of informed and empowered activists, driving ongoing positive change in their communities. This achievement underscores the transformative power of political education and its role in building a just and equitable society.

• Achievement: Facilitating a Resourced Learning Exchange for Activists in Zimbabwe
  In September and October 2018, TA organized a transformative learning exchange program in Zimbabwe. This initiative empowered activists through cross-border knowledge sharing, experiential learning, and collaboration. By facilitating this exchange, TA displayed its commitment to capacity-building and expanding activists’ horizons. Participants gained insights into agrarian and social justice challenges faced by Zimbabwean communities, learning from local organizations’ innovative approaches. TA’s support ensured that activists had the resources they needed. This achievement reflects TA’s dedication to activists’ growth and effectiveness, fostering lasting connections and collaborative efforts. TA’s commitment to nurturing learning, collaboration, and solidarity among activists is evident in this resourced learning exchange. By investing in activists’ knowledge and capacity, TA strengthens their ability to drive meaningful change, enriching the agrarian and social justice movement.

• Achievement: Empowering Activists through the Participatory Drafting of the Rural Equality Charter
  In 2020, TA reached a pivotal milestone with the initiation of the Rural Equality Charter. This innovative platform empowered activists to understand their rights and engage with the government actively. It shifted the dynamics of power by equipping activists with the tools to shape policies and practices. Through a participatory drafting process involving activists, the Charter ensured diversity in reflecting marginalized rural communities’ needs. This process deepened activists’ understanding of their rights and strategic avenues for engagement. By moving beyond legislated platforms, activists gained agency and demanded inclusivity and rural development. The Charter fostered a sense of ownership, making activists drivers of change. TA’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and active citizen engagement is evident. The Charter truly represents the voices of those affected by rural inequalities, fostering a culture of activism and community-driven change. It signifies TA’s dedication to empowering activists, amplifying their voices, and building a movement for rural equality and sustainable development

TA envisions becoming a comprehensive national movement, with current operations spanning four provinces: Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape. It’s worth highlighting that certain partners, such as the Legal Resources Centre, have a national presence

Our Demands

• Fast-track land redistribution and enable Black citizens to access land
• Farm workers/dwellers must enjoy lives of dignity and benefit from agrarian reform
• Prioritize the development of rural settlements
• Promote farming for rural livelihoods and food sovereignty
• Protect the rights of people affected by the extractive industry