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THE ACTIONISTS

Willem Snyman

Cleaning up rivers & reviving dead waters

Thulani Madondo

Upskilling & empowering the youth of Kliptown

Keke Malakele

Uplifting kids through robotics & coding

Colin Northmore

Filling classrooms to tackle xenophobia

Arnold Sibanda

Saluting black male positivity

Jarryd Watson

Uplifting through inclusive dance

Simon Mphela

Taking mental health to the streets

Jess Robus

Mental wellness for kids and teens

Sibusiso Zulu

Collecting sneakers for kids in need

Janet Simpkins

Nursing rivers back to health

Otsile Nkadimeng

Mobilising youth around climate change

Desmond D'Sa

Battling air, water & land pollution

Kekeletso Khena

A petition to stop statutory rape

Bridget Munnik

Drama & performance for social change

Hlobisile Bathabile Yende

Paving the way for women who farm

Natania Botha

Environmental awareness through art

Wayne Jean-Pierre

Restoring freedom by clearing criminal records

Sandile Soxokashe

Campaigning for peaceful protests

Jesse Naidoo & Tammy Greyling

Recycling for the community

Gideon Swart

The cafe that's fighting human traficking

Drama For Life

Changing lives through performance activism

Sharne Jacobs

Creating a safe space for skater girls

Nathi Mazibuko

The security guard feeding the homeless

Jack Msibi

Sporting goals to unite the community

Manti Maifadi

Healing through reconnecting with nature

Helen Duigan

30 years of environmental activism

Tamzyn Botha

Turning trash into treasure to save the planet

Njabulo Zulu

The teen who turns bullies into buddies

Tiny Dhlamini

Detoxifying Snake Park's mine dumps

Clerah Sethole

Creating an inclusive curriculum for kids

Coral Vinsen

Six decades of fighting for human rights

Kim Houston

Breaking the stigma around mental health

Thokozani Ndaba

Drama for healing & social change

Sherie De Wet

Pads designed for girls & the planet

Tarryn Johnston

Reviving the Hennops river

Christinah Mdau

Defending rights against mining threats

Prudence Mabasa

Protecting survivors from secondary trauma

Siyabonga Mahlangu

Supporting Joburg's inner-city tenants

Sbusiso Malinga

Alexandra's unwavering water warrior

Candice Chirwa

Championing period positivity

Baba Biblos Lebona

Preventing cable theft and blackouts

Jacques Bona

The youth champion of Lehae library

Diana Musara

Upcycling plastic for sustainable schools

Luyanda Mazwi

Developing an eco-fridge for street vendors

Sesi Mahlangu

Restoring dignity with new school shoes

Lucy Draper-Clarke

Promoting a compassionate form of activism

Tshepiso Makoni

Using t-shirts to tackle stereotypes

Dineo Baloyi

Lights. shoes & lessons for learners

Mbongeni Manzini

Transforming dumpsites into gardens

Thato Mphuthi

Challenging disability stigma through education

Faeeza Lok

Engaging communities for lasting change

Sipho & Bianca Mabusela

Greening futures with trees & gardens

Dudu Makhubo

Mentoring boys to tackle toxic masculinity

Irfaan Mangera

Mobilising a new generation of leaders

Alfred Mahlole

Fighting for justice & infrastructure

Tshweu Mosedi

Rallying youth towards health & hope

John GI Clarke

Supporting whistleblowers for justice

Pinky Mashiane

Defending domestic worker's rights

Vhahangwele Tsotetsi

Sparking political interest in youth

Sun Mabengeza

Taking permaculture to communities

Gcina & Thato

Cracking down on hunger in Alexandra

Linda Twala

Building a legacy of altruism

Ashby Mo

Empowering Westbury youth through art

Siyabonga Ndlangamandla

Hydroponic vegetables for the community

Yolanda Dyantyi

Advocating for her right to education

Love Our City Klean

Greening & cleaning Joburg inner city

Thato Thabang Mosoeu

A safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community

Refiloe Molefe

A food garden for the suburbs

Nonhle Mbuthuma

Protecting the Wild Coast from mining

Phetole Raseropo

A new wave of subsitence farmers

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The Actionists is an ongoing campaign to champion change-makers around South Africa who are working towards a more equal, kind and compassionate society.

They are the on-the-ground problem solvers, community activists, climate campaigners, and human rights defenders who won’t stop working for the change they want to see in the world.

They are the people that challenge the narrative that nothing is being done.

This series was published every week in the Daily Maverick.

IN THE MEDIA

Daily Maverick

For publications, exhibitions and interviews, please contact thom@thompierce.com

CREATED FOR positive activism © 2025

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