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About Us

Standing together for dignity and equality.

We are a civic organisation promoting social justice, community development, active citizenship, and African unity. As a SARS-approved Public Benefit Organisation, our work is organised around seven public-benefit activity categories — environmental protection, social cohesion, civic education, humanitarian and community support, youth development, peace and justice, and partnerships.

Registered NPC: 2026/521895/08 Tax Reference: 9322812265 SARS Approved PBO: 930092287
African Solidarity Civic Organisation logo

Our Vision

To build a united, just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable Africa in which every person's dignity is upheld, communities participate in democratic governance, and shared prosperity is advanced through solidarity and sustainable development.

Our Mission

ASCO's mission is to promote social justice, human dignity, constitutional democracy, active citizenship, African solidarity, community development, peace, human rights, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of youth and women through advocacy, civic education, humanitarian and grassroots initiatives, partnerships, and practical interventions.

ASCO promotes social justice, civic participation, and sustainable community development by engaging communities, institutions, and partners to advance dignity, equality, and African solidarity.

Our Values

Eleven constitutional values guide everything we do.

Strategic Objectives

Seven public-benefit activity categories guide our work.

ASCO's principal object is to carry on public benefit activities in a non-profit manner and with altruistic motivations, for the benefit of the general public. In terms of ASCO's Constitution, those activities are as set out in the Ninth Schedule to the Income Tax Act, 1962, as amended from time to time. The seven categories below correspond to ASCO's Public Benefit Activities Schedule (Annexure D) in its Official Institutional Profile, each with the public benefit rationale recorded there.

01

Environmental Protection & Community Resilience

Environmental awareness, local action, climate resilience and sustainability — including aquatic and coastal ecosystem protection, beachfront cleanup, and community environmental engagement. Current flagship initiative: Operation Protect Our Aquatic Ecosystem.

Schedule category: Environment · SDG: 14

02

Social Cohesion & Dialogue

Community dialogues and cultural exchange activities that promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and social cohesion across diverse communities.

Schedule category: Social cohesion · SDG: 16

03

Civic Education Campaigns

Civic education on rights, responsibilities, constitutional values, and active citizenship, so people can engage confidently in the decisions that shape their lives.

Schedule category: Civic education · SDG: 4

04

Humanitarian Relief & Community Support

Needs-based humanitarian assistance, disaster response, resilience support, and referrals for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Schedule category: Humanitarian and community support

05

Youth Development, Leadership & Exchange

Youth leadership development, intercultural learning through cultural exchange, volunteering, and mentoring that build youth capability and intercultural understanding.

Schedule category: Youth development · SDG: 4

06

Peace, Justice & Lawful Civic Participation

Mediation, support for lawful and peaceful public participation, and civic dialogue that promotes non-violence, rights, and the rule of law.

Schedule category: Peace and justice · SDG: 16

07

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

Cooperation with institutions, community organisations, faith-based groups, government, and civil society to extend ASCO's community reach and collective capacity.

Schedule category: Partnerships · SDG: 17

Leadership & Governance

The people guiding ASCO's work.

ASCO is governed by its Memorandum of Incorporation, Constitution, applicable law and formal appointment records. ASCO currently has four Directors. Ms Busisiwe Makhosi Shandu serves as Chairperson of the Board and Founder. The governance principle is that the Board governs and Executive Management manages: the Board provides strategic oversight and holds ultimate accountability, while Executive Management implements Board decisions and runs day-to-day operations.

Ms Busisiwe Makhosi Shandu

Ms Busisiwe Makhosi Shandu

Chairperson of the Board / Founder

Provides strategic, ethical and institutional oversight to protect ASCO's founding vision and values.

Mr Bhekisisa Shandu

Mr Bhekisisa Shandu

Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer. Manages day-to-day operations, implements Board decisions, and represents ASCO externally.

Mr Thapelo Nelson Maqalika

Mr Thapelo Nelson Maqalika

Director: Head of ICT and Communications

Manages digital infrastructure, online presence, and external communications strategy.

Mr Khulekani Gumede

Mr Khulekani Gumede

Director: People and Culture / Chair: Finance and Procurement

Oversees people and culture portfolio and chairs the Finance and Procurement Committee.

Board of Directors (four Directors). The four individuals listed above constitute ASCO's Board of Directors.

Operational Team

Ms Mbali Felicia Dumisa

Ms Mbali Felicia Dumisa

Deputy Chairperson

Supports the Chairperson in strategic leadership and governance oversight.

Mr Sbongiseni Mkhwanazi

Mr Sbongiseni Mkhwanazi

Head of Legal Services

Principal Attorney, Mkhwanazi Attorneys (Legal Practice Council Practice No. 67147). Provides legal guidance and ensures compliance with regulatory and constitutional requirements.

Prince Msomi

Mr Prince Msomi

Head of Organising and Mobilisation

Leads community outreach, event coordination, and grassroots mobilisation efforts.

Executive & Senior Management

Executive Management implements Board decisions and runs day-to-day operations. The three positions below form ASCO's current executive and senior management structure.

Ms Angel Nokukhanya Gumede

Ms Angel Nokukhanya Gumede

Head of Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Response

Humanitarian interventions, disaster response, relief coordination, community resilience and support for vulnerable communities.

Ms Thando Mathe

Ms Thando Mathe

Head of Social Protection, Inclusion & Safeguarding

Women, children, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups; protection policies, inclusive programming, social protection and safeguarding.

Mr Maguqu Meshack Mzimela

Head of Programmes, Research & Strategic Partnerships

Programme development, monitoring and evaluation, impact reporting, research, donor relations and partnership coordination.

Photo coming soon

SARS Compliance & Public Benefit Status

Committed to the highest standards of financial governance.

ASCO is registered as a non-profit company under the Companies Act, 2008 (Act 71 of 2008), and is an approved Public Benefit Organisation under section 30 of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (SARS PBO No. 930092287). Section 18A recognition is a separate application and remains pending with SARS. ASCO does not currently issue Section 18A receipts and does not represent that donations are tax-deductible.

NPC
CIPC 2026/521895/08
PBO
SARS Approved · 930092287
18A
Recognition Pending
Tax
Income Tax Ref 9322812265

ASCO's sole and principal object is to carry on public benefit activities in a non-profit manner and with altruistic intent, for the benefit of the general public. The Organisation identifies its primary public benefit activities with reference to the Ninth Schedule to the Income Tax Act, including humanitarian relief, community development, education, environmental protection, and advocacy. ASCO's Public Benefit Organisation recognition has been approved by SARS under reference number 930092287. Section 18A recognition remains pending as a separate application, and Section 18A receipts are not currently issued. Donations and support are accepted in accordance with ASCO's governance, public-benefit objectives and applicable policies and procedures. At least three non-connected persons accept fiduciary responsibility. No income or asset shall be distributed to any person except for reasonable remuneration or payment for bona fide services rendered.

Partnerships

Working together for greater impact.

ASCO collaborates with community organisations, faith-based groups, government institutions, and civil society to extend the reach and effectiveness of our work. We welcome partnerships that align with our values and mission.

Community Organisations

We partner with local organisations to design and deliver programmes rooted in community priorities and lived experience.

Government & Institutions

We engage with government departments, municipal institutions, and statutory bodies to advance inclusive policy and practice.

International Partners

We work with partners across Africa and beyond to facilitate cultural exchange programmes and build cross-border solidarity.

Media & Partners

In the public conversation.

ASCO engages with media and partner organisations to amplify the voices of communities and advance public understanding of civic issues.

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Get Involved

Stand with us.

Whether through a donation, your time, or your voice — every contribution moves communities toward dignity, equality, and sustainable development.

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