Introduction
South Africa’s path to exiting the FATF Greylist
South Africa’s Nonprofit Organisations Act (NPO Act) of 1997 provides an enabling environment for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) by ensuring operational accountability and financial oversight. However, under-resourced institutions continue to hinder the effective implementation of the NPO Act.
As South Africa works to meet the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements in order to exit the greylist, the Department of Social Development announced on 13th November 2024 that it had begun de-registering non-compliant NPOs. South Africa was greylisted in February 2023 due to deficiencies in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing measures. Of the 22 compliance action items, only 5 were met with 17 still outstanding. The target is to complete these reforms by 2026
To further reinforce its commitment to financial crime prevention, the National Treasury released the final draft General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Bill 2024 for public comment on 13th December 2024. The bill seeks to address outstanding FATF concerns identified in 2021 and prepare South Africa for its next mutual evaluation in 2026/27.
As of 5th February 2025, over 203,000 non-profit organisations, voluntary associations and trusts in South Africa risk deregistration for failing to submit its annual reports as required by the NPO Act. The Department of Social Development has already issued 41,787 non-compliance notices, resulting in the deregistration of 6,221 NPOs.
Association
LGBTQIA+ Imam and activist tragically shot dead
Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a 57-year-old gay activist, was tragically shot and killed on 15th February 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape province . A security video shows a suspect exiting a vehicle, running up to Hendricks' car and firing multiple shots through the side window. He was in Gqeberha to officiate the marriages of two interfaith heterosexual couples. The motive for the murder remains unclear, though it is suspected to be linked to his outspoken LGBTQIA+ activism. As the first openly gay Imam since 1996, he founded The Inner Circle and in 2011 established the Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque in Cape Town, which many regarded as a safe haven for queer and marginalised Muslims.
Despite South Africa’s progressive legal frameworks and the enactment of the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill in 2024, members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to experience stigma and violence.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage from the LGBTQIA+ community, with tributes from fellow activists condemning the brutal act. In a statement, the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation (AGF) highlighted that “Imam Muhsin was openly queer and dedicated his life to realising an all-inclusive and compassion-centred global Muslim community. As a certified marriage officer, he made himself available to officiate interfaith marriages in alignment with his principles of equality and religious unity.”
Peaceful Assembly
Student protests escalate amid financial crisis in universities
South African universities are facing severe financial strain, triggering nationwide student protests over registration, funding and accommodation shortages. These protests have led to violent clashes with law enforcement, and multiple arrests.
On 11th February 2025, 15 students were arrested at the University of the Free State during protests over registration and funding issues, disrupting academic activities on both the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses. Tensions escalated as students sought SRC intervention, leading to police intervention.
On the same day, over 200 students from Cape Peninsula University of Technology marched to parliament to address accommodation issues. The protest led to fires and property damage, a 20-year-old student was arrested and two officers were injured during clashes with the police.
On 14th February 2025, two former Wits University students began a hunger strike, later joined by others, to protest against financial exclusion caused by historic debt, despite the university allocating R1.8 billion in financial aid in 2024.
The issue of student funding has persisted in the country for years, as previously documented. Since most universities are publicly funded institutions, addressing the problem requires comprehensive national discussions and long-term solutions.
Phafola residents hold service delivery protests
On 16th February 2025, residents of Phafola, frustrated by years of inadequate service delivery including poor road conditions, lack of clean water and crumbling infrastructure, staged a protest by blocking the N11 highway with burning tyres, demanding immediate action from the Mogalakwena Local Municipality.
Police officers responded with bullets and excessive force, injuring several protesters and arresting 20 individuals who remained in custody ahead of their court appearance on 21st February 2025. The heavy-handed response has drawn criticism from local activists who denounced the violent crackdown.
Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Ernest Rachoene, and municipal officials met with residents to discuss repairs to Road D1958. Authorities suggested that a local mine provide funding through the Public Works Department, but the community rejected this due to a lack of trust in the government’s financial management.