Hi, I'm Thom Pierce, a British photographic artist, living in Johannesburg. 

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I moved to South Africa 15 years ago, planning to only stay for a year, but I fell in love with its vibrant energy and boundless beauty, and never left. 

 

Through my work, I have traveled extensively and experienced the best and worst of this diverse country. 

 

I have witnessed the harsh realities of abject poverty and the heartbreaking consequences for many who cannot access the resources and support that they need. 

 

I have also seen the incredible resourcefulness and resilience of communities “making a plan” in the absence of other options. 

 

Many people have moved abroad looking for a more stable life, never on a whim and usually after years of deliberation. South Africa still sits deeply in their hearts, permeating everything that they do.

 

The need to make a positive contribution is shared by many of us but it can often feel overwhelming and hard to know what to do. 

 

In those times I am reminded of the quote; 

 

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

 

I am in South Africa. What I have is my art. What I can do is use it to create positive change and connect those who care about this country to a way that they can help.

 

So I created this initiative; Positive Activism.

 

It’s easy to see South Africa as a series of insurmountable problems but around every corner there are people trying to provide solutions, doing what they can with what they have, to uplift and support their communities. 

 

Positive Activism is all about finding those people and empowering them to continue providing their vital services. It’s about building a better South Africa together. 

 

And from where you are, you can help...

 

I am looking to build an exclusive group of funders to support this new initiative. Just 25 like-hearted individuals from around the world who want to play a part in creating change alongside me. 

 

I want to connect you back to South Africa through my art and invite you to make Positive Activism part of your story by sharing the journey with you.