The KDC serves as a nerve centre for social justice-oriented NGOs and public interest law firms.
The Kutlwanong Democracy Centre maintains a unique niche in South African civil society as a nerve centre for social justice-oriented NGOs and public interest law firms. It falls within the high-density Pretoria inner city residential area, close to Sunnyside and Berea, while remaining close to courts, embassies, government offices and universities. This central location makes it easily accessible to clients and partner organisations.
The building has become a landmark, reflecting the recent political history of South Africa and its transformation. Symbolism and design incorporates these elements throughout the building and garden, including the memorial rock from the Robben Island quarry to commemorate the struggle for democracy in South Africa. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Amnesty hearings, for example, were also hosted at the centre.
The close proximity of current and past tenants has created a culture of close collaboration. Although each organisation has its own focus area, we work with the broader goal of social justice and access to rights. In this regard, our organisations often refer clients to one another to offer a holistic approach to rights-based interventions.
Shared facilities include two conference rooms accommodating 200 persons at a time while office space is modular and flexible with opportunities to combine or separate, dependant on needs. Although a multilevel building, it is wheelchair friendly, with an easy access wheelchair ramp to reach the second level, wide doors and disability friendly bathroom facilities.
The KDC also boasts the Democracy Café that provides fresh, healthy and affordable meals daily to tenants and other guests. The Café also offers catering services to those renting meeting space.
Some of the services offered at the KDC include:
• Paralegal advice through the Dikeletsong Citizens Advice Bureau, Lawyers for Human Rights and ProBono.org;
• Social asstance and social work through Future Families and the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum;
• Health services for farm workers and rural occupiers through AgriAids; and
• Trauma and psycho-social counselling through the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
To rent office space contact Gideon Mothapisi on [email protected]
