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.
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’s next mission is to create a vocational school to give their downtrodden community a ‘fair chance in life’.
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.
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.
In 2020, Slu joined Generation G, a coalition between ActionAid, Activate and Sonke Gender Justice, mobilising young people to build a GBV-free society.
The work that Freedom Nonkululeko Mtshali is doing is helping to change one mindset at a time.
Rachel Bukasa fights for access to basic support structures for refugees and other marginalised people.
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.
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.
It started with a need to feed her family through farming. Now, Lindi Nzwane’s life is now dedicated to climate activism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phetole Raseropo has been advising farmers on expert agricultural matters for years. Now his business assists local farmers and the community alike.
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.
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.
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.
Colin Northmore, the former principal of Sacred Heart College, has made a lasting difference among refugees living in Johannesburg by providing them with a safe space to learn and teach.
With this simple message, mental health Actionist Simon Mphela and his team are trying to save lives. They want you to know that they are available to listen and point you in the right direction if you need help.
Teenage mental health actionist Jess Robus has published two books, and aims to reach and ease the battles of as many young people as possible.
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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