On June 28, 2024, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town, with participants joining both physically and virtually. This event provided a platform to reflect on the impactful strides made over the past year.

Mr Lorenzo Davids, the IJR’s Acting Board Chairperson, expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment and dedication of the entire IJR team in advancing its core mission of fostering fair, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful societies across Africa. His remarks captured the collective passion and determination driving the organisation’s initiatives forward.

At the heart of the agenda were presentations and discussions that highlighted the IJR’s work undertaken in 2023 in South Africa, Africa and beyond.

Jan Hofmyer, Head of Research and Policy, delivered a presentation on the National Elections and Government of National Unity in South Africa, emphasising the pivotal role of electoral processes in upholding stable and inclusive governance. His presentation delved into the findings of the South African Reconciliation Barometer survey, a nationally representative public opinion poll tracking perceptions and attitudes towards governance and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa. These insights proved instrumental in shaping discussions on fostering national unity and healing through democratic means.

Prof Cheryl Hendricks, Executive Director of the IJR, delivered a robust report detailing the organisation’s achievements and strategic collaborations over the past year. Emphasizing the IJR’s pivotal role as a catalyst for justice and reconciliation, Hendricks highlighted significant partnerships with notable institutions such as the African Union, the United Nations, and with various diplomats and civil society organisations. She show-cased pioneering research initiatives tackling complex issues like violent extremism in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Kenya, underscoring the organisation’s expanding global footprint and its proactive approach to addressing critical global challenges. She also celebrated key organisational milestones, including the annual diplomatic briefing on the State of the Nation Address event in South Africa, and the activities of the Women’s Election Mechanism for Peace, which have significantly bolstered the organisation’s advocacy efforts during critical junctures like national elections.

Anne-Marie Stephenson, Fundraising and Stakeholder Manager, provided an overview of the IJR’s operational milestones in her presentation of the 2023 Annual Report, while Head of Finance, Renee Choto, presented the audited financial statements that reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The detailed financial overview underscored robust fiscal management practices and strategic resource allocations that are foundational to the IJR’s sustainability and growth trajectory.

The AGM concluded with a resounding reaffirmation of the IJR’s mission and vision for the future. It served not only as a platform to showcase the institute’s achievements, but also as a catalyst for charting the way forward. The AGM reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering commitment to leveraging research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships to effect positive change on a global scale, ensuring that its efforts resonate deeply and meaningfully across diverse communities and regions.

By Nande Mbekela, Communications Intern