The Ubuntu Round Table took place on 28th August 2025 at Diepkloof Welfare Centre in Soweto. Please see below full details compiled and published by Ernest Leketi
Tutu Foundation UK would like to thank The Prem Rawat Foundation who made this meeting possible.
Background
The African Choice Foundation is committed to fostering open, honest, and transformative dialogues within South African communities through Ubuntu Round Table series. Building on the success of the inaugural session, which brought together the church and the LGBTQI community to discuss mutual understanding and acceptance 2023, the Foundation sought to expand the dialogue to address other critical social issues.
The second Ubuntu Round Table focused on gender dynamics, specifically tackling the alarming rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa. Despite numerous campaigns and interventions, GBV remains a deeply rooted societal challenge, affecting women, men, children, and entire communities. Recognizing that effective change requires genuine understanding and collaboration between genders, the Foundation aimed to create a safe, respectful space where women and men could engage openly about their experiences, perceptions, and ideas for solutions.
Diepkloof Welfare Centre – Soweto
Pre-Meeting Preparations
Extensive planning and community engagement laid the foundation for a successful event:
Strategic Planning Meetings:
The organizing team including Issy had comprehensive planning sessions via Zoom. These sessions focused on defining objectives, designing activities, and logistical arrangements. An additional in-person pre-meeting provided an opportunity to finalize details and ensure a cohesive approach.
Participant Engagement and Pre-Meetings:
To foster trust and ensure meaningful participation, pre-meetings were conducted separately with men and women. These sessions served as platforms for participants to voice their expectations, share preliminary thoughts, and express concerns. The enthusiasm and willingness to participate expressed during these pre-meetings were humbling, indicating strong community interest and commitment to addressing GBV collaboratively.
Pre-meeting – Men 25 August 2025
Pre-meeting – Women 25 August 2025
Community Outreach:
We worked with local leaders, community organizations, and youth groups to identify and invite a diverse group of participants representing different age groups, social backgrounds, and experiences related to GBV.
Event Details
Date and Venue:
The event was held on 28th September 2025 at the Diepkloof Welfare Centre in Soweto, a community hub known for its active engagement in social issues.
Participation:
A total of 47 participants attended, including community leaders, youth representatives, women and men. The diverse composition aimed to foster inclusive dialogue and ensure multiple perspectives were considered.
Ubuntu Round Table – 28 August 2025
Special Guest:
The presence of Issy significantly enriched the Ubuntu Round Table. Her insights, empathy,inspired facilitators and participants.
Activities and Engagement
The event featured a mix of interactive activities designed to promote dialogue, reflection, and relationship-building.
Icebreaker Sessions:
Fun, engaging activities helped participants relax and build initial trust, setting a positive tone for open discussion.
Facilitators enjoying activities
Storytelling/Testimony/ Circles:
Participants shared personal experiences related to gender roles, violence, and societal expectations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Participants sharing testimonies
Role-Playing Exercises:
These scenarios challenged participants to see issues from different perspectives, encouraging empathy and listening skills, critical thinking around gender stereotypes and violence.
Listening skills exercise
Group Discussions:
Breakout groups discussed key questions such as:
– What are the root causes of GBV in our communities?
– How do societal norms influence gender relations?
– Why do victims return or choose to stay with perpetrators?
– What is a healthy relationship?
Solution Brainstorming:
Participants collaboratively identified actionable ideas, including community education programs, support networks for survivors, and engaging men as allies.
Throughout the day, participants indicated that the activities were not only insightful but also enjoyable, helping break down social barriers and fostering camaraderie.
Key Outcomes and Insights
Enhanced Understanding:
Participants gained deeper insights into the societal and cultural factors perpetuating GBV, recognizing the importance of addressing underlying norms and beliefs.
Strengthened Community Bonds:
The event fostered a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity among men and women, emphasizing that change begins with community-driven efforts.
Commitment to Action:
Many participants expressed a desire to continue engaging in local initiatives, including forming support groups and conducting awareness campaigns.
Develop Follow-Up Programs:
Organize community workshops, youth engagement sessions, and training programs focused on GBV prevention and gender equality.
Team members / organisers
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Soweto Ubuntu Round Table was a significant step forward in fostering gender-sensitive dialogue and community-driven solutions to GBV in South Africa. We remains committed to nurturing these conversations and translating them into tangible change that benefits entire communities.
Report compiled by: Ernest Leketi