Chat on WhatsApp

African Solidarity Civic Organisation

Unity. Empowerment.
Progress.

ASCO is a community-focused civic organisation dedicated to promoting social justice, community development, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, youth leadership development and intercultural exchange, women's empowerment, disability inclusion, active citizenship, and African unity. Through advocacy, education, grassroots initiatives, and cross-cultural collaboration, ASCO empowers communities to build a more just, inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable Africa.

Registered NPC2026/521895/08
Tax Reference9322812265
YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE·ADVOCACY·EDUCATION·GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES·AFRICAN UNITY·YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE·ADVOCACY·EDUCATION·GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES·AFRICAN UNITY
African Solidarity Civic Organisation logo

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 Programme

Youth Cultural Exchange & Social Cohesion

Our core focus: advancing peace, mutual understanding, and social cohesion through cultural exchange programmes for young people across Africa and beyond — at least one international exchange every year, connecting participants directly with diverse communities, traditions, and cultural heritage.

50+
Participants Per Exchange
1
Annual International Exchange
2+
Reciprocal Partner Countries
3+
New Insights Per Participant
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.

Our Position

No to xenophobia. No to vigilantism. Yes to the rule of law.

ASCO rejects xenophobia and collective blame. Criminality has no nationality — and immigration matters belong to state institutions, not mobs. We stand for dialogue over division, peace over violence, and unity over hate.

See Our Recent Activities
ASCO Stop Xenophobia campaign poster

Stop Xenophobia

Campaign

Executive Structure

Dr Sibusiso Nxumalo
National Chairperson
Ms Busisiwe Shandu
Deputy National Chairperson
Mr Bhekisisa Shandu
Executive Director
Mr Khulekani Gumede
Director of People and Culture
Mr Thapelo Maqalika
Head of ICT & Communications
Mr Sbongiseni Mkhwanazi
Head of Legal Services
Mr Lungani Mthethwa
Chief Disability Officer
Ms Mbali Nxumalo
Head of Operations

African Solidarity Civic Organization NPC, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Full leadership profiles →

Our Impact So Far

Early days — and already moving.

9
Core Programs
3
Community Dialogues Held
500+
People Reached
1
Peaceful March Organised

Get Involved

Stand with us.

Whether through a donation, your time, or your voice — every contribution moves communities toward dignity, equality, and sustainable development.

Donate Now Get In Touch