The Lakhi® Advocacy & Empowerment Foundation

 

Rooted in justice and advocacy, we stand resolutely against all forms of oppression—political, corporate, and systemic. We champion human rights, equity, and dignity for all, striving to dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequality. By integrating empowerment with advocacy, we aim to combat corporate tyranny and create sustainable pathways for lasting change.

With a legacy of impactful victories and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, the LAEN Foundation fosters innovative solutions that uplift and inspire. Together, we are building a more just, empowered, and resilient society—one where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and shape their future.

Standing Up for Justice: Advocacy at the Core of LAEN

At the LAEN Foundation, we believe that advocacy is the most powerful tool for driving meaningful change and protecting fundamental human rights. Guided by our mission to empower the voiceless, hold powerful institutions accountable, and challenge oppression, our advocacy efforts are rooted in courage, persistence, and unwavering dedication to justice. Our Advocacy milestones include:

 

The Highveld Victory: Fighting for Equality in Media and Defending Religious Dignity

 

The LAEN Foundation stood firm against Highveld Stereo, one of South Africa’s leading radio stations, for making a mockery of the revered leader of the Islamic world, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Recognizing the gravity of this insult to millions of Muslims, we initiated formal complaints with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

Our efforts culminated in a significant victory when the BCCSA ruled in our favor, forcing Highveld Stereo to issue a public apology for their actions. The station, however, chose to challenge this judgment. In 2005, the case escalated to the BCCSA’s High Court, where justice prevailed once again. Not only was Highveld’s appeal dismissed, but the station was also issued a monetary fine, setting a powerful precedent for accountability and respect in South Africa’s media landscape.

This landmark case demonstrated our unwavering commitment to safeguarding religious dignity and standing up to institutional disregard for cultural and religious sensitivities. You can read the Court's judgment here.

Holding Pick n Pay Accountable for Religious Intolerance

 

In 2002, the LAEN Foundation's founder took a principled stand against one of South Africa’s largest retail chains, Pick n Pay. When the company sponsored calendars that openly called for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to replace it with a Zionist temple, we knew such blatant religious intolerance couldn’t go unchallenged.

Through persistent advocacy, we demanded accountability and engaged directly with Pick n Pay’s leadership. This culminated in a formal apology from the CEO, Sean Summers, marking a victory not just for religious equality but for the principle that corporate actions must reflect ethical responsibility.