Bahlali, I wanted to share something important with you.

When we did the petition against the proposed Credit Regulation Amendment, it was never just about one policy. It was about proving that citizens can still show up, speak up, and make government listen…and we did. 

Since then, a lot has changed, and a lot has been changing in our national landscape. For the first time in a long time, accountability actually feels possible. You can see it in the commissions, parliamentary inquiries, changes in cabinet and general public pressure that’s forcing change across sectors.

I have written about this moment, about how we did this as Abahlali, and how this fits into a much bigger story about rebuilding accountability from the ground up. You can read it here: https://fightingforbetter.substack.com/p/the-age-of-accountability-has-arrived

Thank you again for standing up, signing, and helping to start something that’s still unfolding.

There’s more to come, and this is part of why I have been away from the newsletter. The work of empowering Abahlali to better enforce their rights, engage their government, and participate in public processes requires us to roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty and do so in ways we have never done before.

The tools required for that need to be built and spread far and wide. Yet, still, it is very fulfilling and exciting. I intend to share this with you, so keep an eye out for an update from me soon. 

While you are on the site, though, make sure you subscribe to the newsletter (https://figthingforbetter.substack.com so you can keep receiving these insights directly and stay informed of the civic work we’re doing. 

Let’s keep fighting to create the South Africa of our best dreams, together. 

Sabelo