Andile Nodada
Andile “Navigator” Nodada is a Cape Town-based filmmaker, director, and activist using media to amplify unheard voices and drive social change. As co-founder of Inqwelo Cinema, he has created a pipeline for young creatives in underserved communities to gain skills, tell their stories, and turn art into enterprise. Andile began his career in the arts […]
Joe Emilio
Joe Emilio is a nominee for the Free SA Young Leaders Awards in the Media category and the founder and host of Newsflash, a growing YouTube news platform with over 20,000 subscribers. Passionate about delivering fact-based, engaging, and thought-provoking journalism, Joe has built a trusted source of current affairs content that informs and empowers South Africans. Through Newsflash, […]
Stand up against economic exclusion: Oppose the proposed Transformation Fund
South Africa needs real economic transformation — but the proposed R100 billion Transformation Fund will not deliver it. Instead of fostering broad-based, inclusive growth, the Fund prioritises race-based criteria that risk benefiting only a politically connected few, while leaving the majority of small businesses, regardless of race, behind. Closes: 7 May 2025 Make your voice […]
Government U-turn on cannabis products ban — seller (and user) fears allayed
The South African government has withdrawn its ban on cannabis and hemp foodstuffs, following public outcry and pressure from civil society organisations, easing tensions for sellers who can now resume business. The South African government has withdrawn its contentious regulations banning the sale, importation and manufacture of food products containing hemp and cannabis. The reversal […]
South African president vows to lift ban on cannabis edibles
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to lift a ban on cannabis and hemp-derived edibles announced earlier this month following vast backlash over the move. Trade associations and stakeholders felt that the prohibition had no scientific basis and was detrimental to the economy. The statement released by his office on Tuesday explained that the ban […]
Cannabis-produkte terug op die spyskaart
In wat bestempel word as ʼn oorwinning vir die publiek wat betref openbare deelname en demokratiese verantwoordbaarheid, het dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, minister van gesondheid, die omstrede verbod op die verkoop, invoer en vervaardiging van voedselprodukte wat hemp en cannabis bevat opgehef. Lees meer op Maroela Media
Health Minister’s decision to lift cannabis products ban a ‘victory for civil society, participatory democracy’
Civil society group Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free) SA has welcomed the decision by Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to withdraw a prohibition notice banning the sale, importation, and manufacture of food products containing hemp and cannabis. Free SA said the minister’s decision came after mounting pressure from civil society groups and the cannabis […]
Health Minister withdraws contentious cannabis regulations
The presidency has confirmed that the health minister would withdraw regulations prohibiting the sale, importation and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis, following an outcry. Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said in a statement the minister Aaron Motsoaledi and the department of health would “continue to consult broadly” before publishing the revised regulations. Read more […]
Free SA Secures Victory for Public Participation as Government Withdraws Unlawful Hemp and CBD Food Ban
Civil society has claimed a significant victory for public participation and democratic accountability after the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the withdrawal of contentious regulations banning the sale, importation, and manufacture of food products containing hemp and cannabis. The reversal comes in the wake of mounting pressure from Free SA and other stakeholders, […]
Cutting the fiscal fat
By Reuben Coetzer, Free SA spokesperson If words were actions, South Africa would have the sleekest, most efficient government on the planet. Budget speeches and reform proposals promise leaner administration, cost-cutting, and a “capable state.” Yet, year after year, we remain burdened with an overstuffed executive and a civil service bloated with inefficiency. And yet […]