About us

About #AfricaDemocracy

We believe that policy development should be informed by evidence, which is why we monitor and keep abreast of emerging research findings and use them in our work.

Who we are

Africa Democracy and Governance (ADG or #AfricaDemocracy) is a regional nonpartisan and nonprofit organization working to advance democratic governance and ethical leadership in Africa “based on "Inclusivity", "Afrocentricity" and "Ubuntu”.

#AfricaDemocracy's activities are aimed at strengthening citizen participation and to popularise participatory, representative and inclusive political processes.

The organisation's projects seek to amplify the importance of good governance and accountability of African leaders and institutions by putting communities at the very centre of policy development. ADG’s approach is predicated on the belief that democracy does not end at elections, but is a constant two-way engagement between leaders and the communities they serve.

#AfricaDemocracy Secretariat

Mordekai Shumba

Executive Director

Mr Shumba is a Zimbabwean-born pan-African activist, youth specialist, social entrepreneur and human rights defender living in South Africa, Johannesburg. A former political activist, Shumba is founder of Organisation of African Youth (OAYouth), a continental youth organisation that since 2009 has worked successfully to energise and empower African youth to be change-makers and active nation builders. Shumba has 15 years experience working in Civil Society organisations in various leadership positions.

Sarah Aphane

Coordinator

Sarah Aphane is a South African social development specialist, with over 10 years working in public sector and civil society. Ms Aphane is passionate about the welfare of children and has lent her skills widely to advance quality education for children in disadvantaged communities. Ms Aphane joined #AfricaDemocracy in May 2019 as its coordinator, responsible for the day-today operations of the organisation.

Maqhawe Mpofu

Programmes Manager

Mr. Mpofu is a Pan-African thought leader, registred legal practitioner and constitutional law expert based in South Africa. Mpofu is pursuing a Masters in Human Rights Law at the University of Pretoria in South Africa while volunteering at Africa Democracy and Governance.

Elsie Colman

Volunteer Researcher

Elsie Colman is a human rights and political science expert from New Zealand, volunteering for Africa Democracy and Governance. Ms Colman has worked in inter-governmental organisations working with refugees and has traveled extensively across Europe. In fulfillment of her doctoral research she has joined #AfricaDemocracy for a year while assisting with research and literature development.

Democracy and Good Governance

Democratic governance is a critical component of sustainable development and lasting peace. Countries that have inefficient Government institutions, rampant corruption and no rule of law face a high risk of civil war and criminal violence.

Project Activities

Election monitoring and observations

Elections are the cornerstone of creating a democratic political system. As such, monitoring can assist democratic consolidation by instilling domestic and international legitimacy.