Soul City Institute For Social Justice

The Soul City Institute for Social Justice is one of South Africa's most innovative and far-reaching organisations working to end gender-based violence and advance sexual and reproductive health rights. Founded in 1992 in Alexandra, Johannesburg, by two young doctors who wanted to dismantle the health inequalities of the apartheid legacy, Soul City pioneered the use of edutainment — the weaving of social justice issues into popular entertainment like television dramas, radio shows, and social media — as a tool for mass behaviour change. Over 30 years, their brand has reached more than 80% of South Africa's population, with multiple generations having grown up with their programmes. At least three South African communities have named themselves "Soul City" after the show.

Their model combines prime-time media, social media, community mobilisation, and policy advocacy — working at the level of individuals, communities, and systems simultaneously. Their governing philosophy is intersectional feminism: the belief that gender justice requires dismantling all overlapping forms of oppression — race, class, disability, sexual orientation, and more.

Please note: Soul City is primarily a media, education, and advocacy organisation — not a crisis service or shelter. They do not offer individual counselling or emergency support. Their value to survivors lies in their education, their AI-powered digital support tool, and the community clubs and groups they have established nationwide.

What They Offer Survivors and Young People

Shayi'ndlela — GBV Edutainment TV Series (2025) Soul City has returned to television with a brand new prime-time programme, Shayi'ndlela, which tackles GBV directly through drama and community mobilisation. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the show is designed to shift harmful norms, support parents, empower girls through Rise Clubs, and engage boys in building a safer society. It airs nationally and is available on SABC+. Soul City and Soul Buddyz classic series are also available on SABC+.

Karabelo GBV Response Programme A multi-year programme funded by the GBVF Fund with two pillars — GBV prevention and survivor support. Karabelo is active across communities in multiple provinces, delivering awareness, education, community dialogues, and linkages to support services.

AI-Powered Digital Support Tool (Facebook Messenger) Developed with AI for Good (UK), this free digital tool uses artificial intelligence and storytelling to help survivors of domestic violence find support and access resources. It is available anonymously, 24/7, via Facebook Messenger — making it accessible even when speaking directly to another person feels unsafe or impossible.

RISE Young Women's Clubs RISE clubs operate in schools and communities across all nine provinces — providing safe spaces for young women aged 15–24 to learn about GBV, HIV, consent, sexual reproductive health rights, and leadership. Research shows that RISE participation increases HIV testing, condom negotiation skills, and awareness of GBV support services among members.

Soul Buddyz Clubs Soul Buddyz clubs provide structured safe spaces for children aged 8–14 to learn about rights, health, and social responsibility through creative activities, discussion, and peer support.

Feminist Leadership and Activism Centre Launched in 2025, this new centre builds a movement of young feminist leaders — equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and networks to challenge systems of oppression from the inside.

Advocacy for Safe Public Transport Soul City has led a campaign for safer public transport for women — challenging harassment and assault in taxis and trains, a pervasive but often invisible form of GBV.

To find a RISE Club or Soul Buddyz Club near you, or to access the AI support tool, visit www.soulcity.org.za.