Futurelect Annual Report 2024: A Year of Impact, Growth, and Bold New Milestones

The year is 2026, and the Africa we envisioned is taking shape before our eyes. The transformation unfolding across the continent's political landscape, from the local government elections reshaping South Africa's municipalities to the leadership pipelines expanding across East Africa, was built on the strategic foundation we laid in 2024. The victories of 2024 were not endpoints. They were the beginning of something far more ambitious.

Excerpts from the Futurelect 2024 Annual Report

2024 was not simply about growth. It was about proving that ethical, visionary leadership can reshape Africa's political landscape in real time. And the results speak for themselves. In a year dubbed the global "super election year", democracies worldwide faced declining public trust and contested outcomes. Yet South Africa's democracy stood resilient. The Independent Electoral Commission delivered free and fair elections, with 92% of voters affirming the integrity of the process. Futurelect became one of only 160 organisations accredited by the IEC to observe the elections, monitoring voting procedures across Gauteng and the Western Cape. Our independent assessment report reinforced our position as a thought leader in civic engagement and electoral integrity.

But we were more than observers. Sixteen of our alumni contested in South Africa's May 2024 general elections, with two elected into the National Assembly: Nobuntu Lindumusa Hlazo Webster and Malebo Patricia Kobe. Others took on influential roles, including Kholofelo Morodi, who was sworn in as a Member of the Mayoral Committee for the City of Tshwane. Today, 50% of our alumni are serving in public office across local government, parliament, and political appointments, influencing policies and governance at the highest levels. These are not just individual success stories. They represent a growing network of leaders shaped by Futurelect's values of accountability, integrity, and service.

Our leadership programmes continued to expand with purpose. We onboarded the sixth cohort of the Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme, attracting 290 applications from across the region. In East Africa, we appointed an advisory council of nine experts spanning Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, strengthening our regional programming. 

Perhaps our most significant achievement was transforming civic education through digital innovation. Our Futurelect Learning App reached over 84,000 new users by year-end, a leap from virtually zero at the start of the year. Ahead of South Africa's general elections, our first large-scale digital campaign reached 2 million people and onboarded 10,000 new app users in a matter of weeks. We expanded accessibility by making courses available on YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, and Instagram Reels, meeting young South Africans where they are. The impact was tangible: in a survey of over 400 app users, 68% stated that our civics content inspired them to vote in May 2024.

In March 2024, we convened the inaugural Futurelect Alumni Summit, a four-day gathering that brought together leaders including Ronald Lamola, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, and Hon. Emma Theofilus. Alumni took ownership of the summit, serving as panellists, moderators, and programme directors. The summit was more than an event. It formalised a movement, with the community articulating its mission, adopting governing principles, and establishing core pillars for ongoing engagement.

Financial stewardship remains central to our mission. In 2024, we received R25,636,328 in funding, allocating 67% directly to programmes. We are proud to report our seventh consecutive successful audit review, a track record spanning our entire organisational history since 2018. This transparency and accountability are what allow us to dream bigger and deliver bolder.

The momentum we've built positions us to make 2026 a defining year for democratic leadership across Africa. With 70% of Africa's population under 35, the potential for transformative change is unprecedented. We are expanding our programmes in East Africa, strengthening our Women in Public Office initiative ahead of South Africa's local government elections, and continuing to innovate in civic education through digital platforms that reach millions.

But we cannot do this alone. We invite funders, partners, and collaborators to join us in shaping the future of leadership in Africa. Your support enables us to scale our programmes, increase accessibility to leadership education, and empower more future leaders to serve with integrity. Together, we are building a future where accountability, transparency, and service define public office across the continent.

The foundations are laid. The momentum is undeniable. And 2026 is ours to shape.

Partner With Us: Invest in Africa's Democratic Future

If you believe Africa deserves ethical, capable leaders, we invite you to partner with us. The work we're doing through our Civics Programme isn't just about today's by-elections; it's about building a generation of informed, engaged citizens who will shape Africa's democratic future for decades to come.

If you are a foundation, corporation, or individual donor interested in strategic philanthropy that delivers measurable impact, let's talk. Your investment today determines who governs Africa tomorrow.

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For partnership discussions, contact melody@futurelect.org.