The Actionists
Through a series of photographic stories, photographer Thom Pierce actively profiles on-the-ground problem solvers, community activists, climate campaigners, and human rights defenders who engage in direct action. Discover South Africa’s Actionists below.
Tholulwazi Phakathi founder strives to provide critical HIV/Aids education to affected youth
Nonhlanhla Mazaleni helps young people living with HIV, ensuring they stick to their treatment regimen — a commitment born from personal tragedy and a deep desire to make a difference in the fight against the virus.
‘The only thing you owe us is your success’ — Thulani Madondo’s mantra for empowering Kliptown kids
Through his youth programme, Thulani Madondo and his team give local children access to tutoring, school fees and uniform support, a food programme, computer labs and performing arts, culture and sport programmes, among many other things. And they’ve been doing it for 17 years.
Thembilihle activist focuses on nurturing the neglected boy child in youth upliftment drive
Dudu Makhubo, a dedicated mentor in Thembilihle, is on a mission to tackle toxic masculinity and empower the youth through education and community engagement, proving that even the smallest change can brighten the future of her community.
A youthful approach to Gauteng farming futures and food security plants seeds of hope
Two young South African activists met overseas while attending a global gathering of young leaders. Back in South Africa, they joined forces and established an organisation to teach farming skills and create Gauteng food gardens, encouraging long-term food security and better futures.
Young Urban Women fights the battle for Orange Farm residents battered by state austerity
Young Urban Women’s next mission is to create a vocational school to give their downtrodden community a ‘fair chance in life’.
Empowering young people is at the heart of Ntsiki Khunju’s efforts to change the world
As a young woman with a passion for change as well as qualifications and professional experience in social work, child welfare and sexual and reproductive health rights, Ntsiki Khunju has a unique overview of what is important for youth advocacy in South Africa.
Life Esidimeni tragedy — committed remembrance efforts vital in keeping victims’ stories alive
The importance of real stories, like those of the tragic Life Esidimeni events, remains crucial as a reminder that empathy and connection cannot be digitally replicated through AI.
Selokela ‘Slu’ Molamodi is a young community leader talking her way to a better SA
In 2020, Slu joined Generation G, a coalition between ActionAid, Activate and Sonke Gender Justice, mobilising young people to build a GBV-free society.
‘Nox’ Mtshali – fighting for a world without any kind of discrimination
The work that Freedom Nonkululeko Mtshali is doing is helping to change one mindset at a time.
Passion and drive propel Rachel Bukasa’s human rights mission
Rachel Bukasa fights for access to basic support structures for refugees and other marginalised people.
Determined duo aims to revitalise downtrodden Bosmont and shift narrative on stigmatised community
Debbie Cockrell and Zubaydah Kirsten hail from different backgrounds, but are united by a shared commitment to community upliftment. Together, they are leading the charge in the Bosmont clean-up efforts, determined to tackle pollution and social challenges head-on.
Rising above repression to foster safe havens and empowerment for GBV survivors
Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi’s journey from a Zimbabwean teacher trapped in an abusive marriage to a powerhouse leading InterVisionary, an NPO empowering women and survivors of gender-based violence in Masiphumelele, showcases the transformative power of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
Lindi Nzwane — a farmer and climate activist planting the seeds to empower women
It started with a need to feed her family through farming. Now, Lindi Nzwane’s life is now dedicated to climate activism.
A new approach in the fight for protection against perpetrators of gender-based violence
As with so many Actionists, Norma Mbele found her calling through her own traumatic experience. Tosunga Baninga is a gender-based violence (GBV) support organisation. Its mission is to assist the victims of GBV while also educating the broader community. The organisation’s approach, however, is slightly different to what you might imagine.
The fight for justice for hundreds of HIV-positive SA women who endured forced sterilisation
In 1997, Sethembiso Promise Mthembu was forced into sterilisation by a doctor. Today, she fights for justice for hundreds of women who’ve had similar experiences.
Labour of love – the art of cleaning up Joburg one street at a time
Sometimes being an Actionist isn’t born out of a single brilliant idea. Sometimes, it comes from a hunger for change and the dedication to finding a space for yourself in a world that seems determined to work against you.
Connection and community — social change agents launch 24 inclusive events offering you the power to give back
Actionists Carrie Pratt and Ilka Stein offer you the opportunity to make a difference this Christmas by affording skills development and upliftment to those who need it the most.
A generous gesture helps Soweto residents to put healthy food on the table and boost a local economy
Phetole Raseropo has been advising farmers on expert agricultural matters for years. Now his business assists local farmers and the community alike.
Passionate youth activist shepherds Katlehong youngsters towards a brighter, safer future
Youth Actionist Tshweu Mosedi’s tireless dedication to improving the lives of young people in Katlehong township is an inspiring example of how one person can make a real difference.
How an artist passionate about nature and biodiversity is cleaning up polluted rivers to uplift communities
Actionist Willem Snyman is an artist who has been working hard to clean up the Kaalspruit River and its tributaries for the last five years.
‘Innovative solutions for African problems’ — Keke Malakele enables young people to grasp the future
Although she has a full-time job as an IT support analyst at Baker McKenzie, a large law firm in Sandton, Keke Malakele spends the majority of her time outside work running her not-for-profit company United Siyafunda (United We Learn), teaching children robotics and coding.
For many years, I wanted to create a continuing photographic project that tells short, accessible stories about the people across South Africa who are working to make a difference in their communities. I truly believed it was needed – and five years later it has been launched.
By Thom Pierce
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