The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)

OSISA works to build and strengthen the values, practices and institutions of open and tolerant democracies throughout Southern Africa.

OSISA supports advocacy initiatives that seek to enhance public policy and improve the situation of the most marginalised members of Southern African communities. We support human rights defenders and other actors who seek to bring about social justice, pulling together diverse organisations and institutions, facilitating dialogue between key national players, and providing financial resources to organisations that promote open society ideals. Our efforts are aimed at building the capacity of civil society organisations to advocate for transparency, accountability and democratic practice, whilst supporting state actors who show a willingness to be held accountable to their citizens.

OSISA is part of the Soros Network of Foundations, and is affiliated to the Open Society Insitute (OSI), which was founded by George Soros, the philanthropist. Although Soros finances, OSISA is an autonomous Southern African organisation governed by a Board of Southern Africans who are committed to the principles of an open society. These individuals are leaders associated with institutions or professions with which OSISA co-operates in carrying out its programmes. Each country within the OSISA mandate is represented by a Board member from that country, thus adding to the foundation's ability to retain a unique level of rootedness in the region.

OSISA staff also hail from Southern Africa and bring a wealth of experience in human rights, democracy building and social justice to their work.