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African Solidarity Civic Organisation

Unity. Empowerment.
Progress.

ASCO is a community-focused civic organisation dedicated to promoting social justice, community development, active citizenship, and African unity. As a SARS-approved Public Benefit Organisation, we advance 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

Support Our Work See Our Programs

YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE·ADVOCACY·EDUCATION·GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES·AFRICAN UNITY·YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE·ADVOCACY·EDUCATION·GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES·AFRICAN UNITY

Who We Are

A civic movement built on dignity, equality, and solidarity.

We support inclusive, evidence-based solutions to social and economic challenges — fostering solidarity and cooperation among all people, and standing for public participation and sustainable development at every level of community life.

Read Our Story

Flagship Public-Benefit Programme

Environmental Protection & Community Resilience

Our flagship public-benefit activity category: environmental awareness, local action, climate resilience and sustainability — including aquatic and coastal ecosystem protection, beachfront cleanup, and community environmental engagement.

22 Sep 2026

Campaign Date

Richards Bay

Beachfront · King Cetshwayo District

SDG 14

Life Below Water

SuperPowerSpar-Empangeni

Campaign Sponsor

Explore the Programme

Our Charter

Four articles guide everything we do.

ARTICLE I

Advocacy

We advocate for social justice and civic rights, engaging communities and institutions to advance dignity, equality, and public participation.

ARTICLE II

Education

We equip people with the knowledge and tools to participate actively in civic life and to understand and exercise their rights.

ARTICLE III

Grassroots Initiatives

We work from the ground up, partnering directly with communities to design solutions rooted in their own priorities and lived experience.

ARTICLE IV

African Unity

We foster solidarity and cooperation across communities, building sustainable development through collective, evidence-based action.

Led By

African Solidarity Civic Organisation NPC, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

ASCO is governed by four Directors. The Board governs; Executive Management manages. The individuals below are the Board and the wider Executive Management team.

Board of Directors (four Directors)

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

Executive Director

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

Mr Thapelo Nelson Maqalika

Director: Head of ICT and Communications

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

Mr Khulekani Gumede

Director: People and Culture / Chair: Finance and Procurement

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

Executive & Senior Management

Executive Management implements Board decisions and runs day-to-day operations.

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

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.

Operational Team

Ms Mbali Felicia Dumisa

Deputy Chairperson

Supports the Chairperson in strategic leadership and governance oversight.

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.

Mr Prince Msomi

Head of Organising and Mobilisation

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

View full leadership and governance details, including Executive Management positions on the About page.

Our Impact So Far

Early days — and already moving.

Core Programs

Community Dialogues Held

Communities Engaged

Peaceful March Organised

Unity. Empowerment.
Progress.

Become Part of ASCO

A civic movement built on dignity, equality, and solidarity.

Environmental Protection & Community Resilience

Four articles guide everything we do.

Advocacy

Education

Grassroots Initiatives

African Unity

African Solidarity Civic Organisation NPC, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Ms Busisiwe Makhosi Shandu

Mr Bhekisisa Shandu

Mr Thapelo Nelson Maqalika

Mr Khulekani Gumede

Ms Angel Nokukhanya Gumede

Ms Thando Mathe

Mr Maguqu Meshack Mzimela

Ms Mbali Felicia Dumisa

Mr Sbongiseni Mkhwanazi

Mr Prince Msomi

Early days — and already moving.

Stand with us.

Unity. Empowerment.Progress.

Become Part of ASCO

A civic movement built on dignity, equality, and solidarity.

Environmental Protection & Community Resilience

Four articles guide everything we do.

Advocacy

Education

Grassroots Initiatives

African Unity

African Solidarity Civic Organisation NPC, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Ms Busisiwe Makhosi Shandu

Mr Bhekisisa Shandu

Mr Thapelo Nelson Maqalika

Mr Khulekani Gumede

Ms Angel Nokukhanya Gumede

Ms Thando Mathe

Mr Maguqu Meshack Mzimela

Ms Mbali Felicia Dumisa

Mr Sbongiseni Mkhwanazi

Mr Prince Msomi

Early days — and already moving.

Stand with us.

Unity. Empowerment.
Progress.