The Actionists

The Actionists Celebrating the unsung heroes who are working to create a better South Africa. πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦

πˆππ“π‘πŽπƒπ”π‚πˆππ†: #ππ€π˜π“π‡π„π†π‘π€ππ“π’The second beneficiary of the Positive Activism initiative is the social justice co-operative...
21/02/2025

πˆππ“π‘πŽπƒπ”π‚πˆππ†: #ππ€π˜π“π‡π„π†π‘π€ππ“π’

The second beneficiary of the Positive Activism initiative is the social justice co-operative , a grassroots collective created to advocate for the rights of millions of people unable to access the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.

Helping people like Dalene Raiters (pictured):

π·π‘Žπ‘™π‘’π‘›π‘’ 𝐢𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑦 π‘…π‘Žπ‘–π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ β€™ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘  π‘ π‘‘π‘œπ‘π‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘€β„Žπ‘’π‘› π‘ β„Žπ‘’ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘“π‘™π‘Žπ‘”π‘”π‘’π‘‘ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑦 π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘“π‘–π‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›. 𝐴𝑠 β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ 𝐼𝐷 π‘‘π‘œπ‘π‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘  β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘‘π‘Žπ‘šπ‘Žπ‘”π‘’π‘‘ 𝑖𝑛 π‘Ž π‘“π‘™π‘œπ‘œπ‘‘, π‘ β„Žπ‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘œπ‘π‘‘π‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘Ž 𝑛𝑒𝑀 𝐼𝐷 π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘.

π‘†β„Žπ‘’ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘’π‘Žπ‘™π‘™π‘¦ π‘ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘’π‘–π‘£π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑑 π‘Žπ‘”π‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘, π‘Žπ‘  π‘ β„Žπ‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘’π‘›π‘π‘Žπ‘–π‘‘ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘€π‘œ π‘¦π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘ , π‘ β„Žπ‘’ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘œπ‘€π‘’π‘‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘π‘˜ π‘π‘Žπ‘¦, π‘€β„Žπ‘–π‘β„Ž π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘π‘Žπ‘–π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘‘β„Žπ‘™π‘¦ π‘Žπ‘  π‘Žπ‘› π‘Žπ‘‘π‘‘π‘–π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘Žπ‘™ π‘π‘Žπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘œπ‘“ 𝑅πŸ₯𝟩𝟒 (approx. $20). π»π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘› 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 π‘Žπ‘  π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘…πŸ©πŸ¦πŸ’ (approx. $40) π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘–π‘›π‘‘π‘œ β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘‘π‘œ 𝑏𝑒 π‘œπ‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘–π‘›π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘ β„Žπ‘œπ‘™π‘‘, π‘šπ‘Žπ‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘” β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘› 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘.

Read the full blog post and all the stories - https://www.positive-activism.org/post/introducing-paythegrants

JOIN OUR TEAM OF FUNDERS - Sanele Shabalala from Sangoma - 90cm x 75m - exclusive signed edition. We are proud to presen...
20/02/2025

JOIN OUR TEAM OF FUNDERS - Sanele Shabalala from Sangoma - 90cm x 75m - exclusive signed edition.

We are proud to present a curated collection of artworks by award-winning photographic artist, Thom Pierce.

Created exclusively for funders of Positive Activism, each piece in this collection is a one-of-a-kind, signed on the front and marked with the edition number "Positive Activism 1 / 1".
​
Artwork are shipped with a certificate of authenticity, together with the story of each image. Funders names will be added to our website and they will receive regular updates and a full colour photo book containing all the projects from the year.
​
All artworks are priced at R32,000 (approx. Β£1,400 | $1,800 | €1,700)
and are Inclusive of worldwide shipping.

Buy now or browse all available artworks (link in bio) - https://www.positive-activism.org/funders

πˆππ“π‘πŽπƒπ”π‚πˆππ†: #ππ€π˜π“π‡π„π†π‘π€ππ“π’The second beneficiary of the Positive Activism initiative is the social justice co-operative...
19/02/2025

πˆππ“π‘πŽπƒπ”π‚πˆππ†: #ππ€π˜π“π‡π„π†π‘π€ππ“π’

The second beneficiary of the Positive Activism initiative is the social justice co-operative , a grassroots collective created to advocate for the rights of millions of people unable to access the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.

Helping people like Oupa Maboke (pictured):

𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘šπ‘–π‘›π‘’π‘  β„Žπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’ π‘π‘™π‘œπ‘ π‘’π‘‘, π‘‚π‘’π‘π‘Ž π‘€π‘Žπ‘π‘œπ‘˜π‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘’π‘›π‘Žπ‘π‘™π‘’ π‘‘π‘œ 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 π‘€π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘˜. 𝐻𝑒 β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 π‘€π‘Žπ‘–π‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘’π‘›π‘’π‘šπ‘π‘™π‘œπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘–π‘›π‘ π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘π‘’ (π‘ˆπΌπΉ) π‘π‘Žπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘  π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ πŸͺ π‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘‘β„Žπ‘ .

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘’π‘”β„Ž β„Žπ‘’ 𝑖𝑠 π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘’π‘–π‘£π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘ˆπΌπΉ, 𝑖𝑑'𝑠 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘ π‘œπ‘› π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ β„Žπ‘–π‘  𝑅πŸ₯𝟩𝟒 (approx. $20) π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘™π‘–π‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘—π‘’π‘π‘‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦ π‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘‘β„Ž. π‘Šπ‘–π‘‘β„Ž π‘›π‘œ π‘ π‘’π‘π‘π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘, β„Žπ‘’ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  π‘›π‘œ π‘šπ‘’π‘Žπ‘›π‘  π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’π‘™ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘–π‘›π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘ π‘–π‘›π‘”π‘™π‘¦ 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 π‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘›π‘π‘’ π‘œπ‘“ 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘Ž π‘—π‘œπ‘.

β€œπΌβ€™π‘š π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘ π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘£π‘–π‘£π‘–π‘›π‘”, πΌβ€™π‘š π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘›π‘”. π‘‡β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’ 𝑖𝑠 π‘›π‘œ π‘–π‘›π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’ π‘Žπ‘‘ π‘Žπ‘™π‘™. 𝐼 π‘π‘Žπ‘›π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ 𝑠𝑒𝑒 π‘šπ‘¦ π‘˜π‘–π‘‘π‘  π‘π‘’π‘π‘Žπ‘’π‘ π‘’ 𝐼 π‘π‘Žπ‘›π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘”π‘œ π‘’π‘šπ‘π‘‘π‘¦-β„Žπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘π‘’π‘‘,”.

Read the full blog post and all the stories - https://www.positive-activism.org/post/introducing-paythegrants

JOIN OUR TEAM OF FUNDERS - Paleho Silase from The Horsemen of Semonkong - 90cm x 75cm - exclusive signed edition. We are...
18/02/2025

JOIN OUR TEAM OF FUNDERS - Paleho Silase from The Horsemen of Semonkong - 90cm x 75cm - exclusive signed edition.

We are proud to present a curated collection of artworks by award-winning photographic artist, Thom Pierce.

Created exclusively for funders of Positive Activism, each piece in this collection is a one-of-a-kind, signed on the front and marked with the edition number "Positive Activism 1 / 1".
​
Artwork are shipped with a certificate of authenticity, together with the story of each image. Funders names will be added to our website and they will receive regular updates and a full colour photo book containing all the projects from the year.
​
All artworks are priced at R32,000 (approx. Β£1,400 | $1,800 | €1,700)
and are Inclusive of worldwide shipping.

Buy now or browse all available artworks - https://www.positive-activism.org/funders

πˆππ“π‘πŽπƒπ”π‚πˆππ†: #ππ€π˜π“π‡π„π†π‘π€ππ“π’The second beneficiary of the Positive Activism initiative is the social justice co-operative...
17/02/2025

πˆππ“π‘πŽπƒπ”π‚πˆππ†: #ππ€π˜π“π‡π„π†π‘π€ππ“π’

The second beneficiary of the Positive Activism initiative is the social justice co-operative , a grassroots collective created to advocate for the rights of millions of people unable to access the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.

Helping people like Urika Pais (pictured).

πΉπ‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘€π‘œ π‘¦π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘  π‘ˆπ‘Ÿπ‘–π‘˜π‘Ž π‘ƒπ‘Žπ‘–π‘  β„Žπ‘Žπ‘  π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘’π‘–π‘£π‘’π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘›π‘¦ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘  π‘π‘’π‘π‘Žπ‘’π‘ π‘’ β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿ, π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘“π‘Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘’ π‘˜π‘–π‘‘π‘ , 𝑖𝑠 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ 𝐷𝑅𝐢 π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘š π‘…πŸ£,𝟩𝟒𝟒 (π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘₯. $92) π‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘‘β„Ž π‘€β„Žπ‘–π‘™π‘’ β„Žπ‘’ 𝑖𝑠 π‘Žπ‘€π‘Žπ‘¦.

π‘‡β„Žπ‘’π‘ π‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘  π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘π‘œπ‘›π‘ π‘–π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘‘ π‘Ž π‘ π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘π‘’ π‘œπ‘“ π‘–π‘›π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’, π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘›π‘” β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘›π‘œπ‘šπ‘–π‘›π‘Žπ‘™ π‘π‘Žπ‘¦π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘œπ‘“ 𝑅πŸ₯𝟩𝟒 (π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘₯. $𝟀𝟒) π‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘‘β„Ž.

β€œπ‘‡β„Žπ‘’π‘¦ β„Žπ‘Žπ‘£π‘’ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘’π‘ π‘  π‘‘π‘œ π‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘›π‘’ π‘›π‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘›π‘˜ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘ , π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘š π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘”β„Žπ‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘π‘œ π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦π‘‘β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘”. 𝐼 π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘’π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘’π‘Žπ‘™, 𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑑 π‘›π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘€π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘˜π‘  π‘œπ‘’π‘‘. 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘π‘π‘™π‘¦π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Žπ‘™π‘™ π‘π‘œπ‘ π‘‘π‘  π‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘’π‘¦.”

Read the full blog post and all the stories - https://www.positive-activism.org/post/introducing-paythegrants

ARNOLD SIBANDA: SALUTING BLACK MALE POSITIVITYJust before the birth of his son, Arnold Sibanda’s father passed away. A p...
10/11/2023

ARNOLD SIBANDA: SALUTING BLACK MALE POSITIVITY

Just before the birth of his son, Arnold Sibanda’s father passed away. A principled man with strong values, who had Arnold’s best intentions at heart, his father was his role model and his greatest supporter.
When he passed, Arnold realised that he needed a support system to navigate his own new journey of fatherhood, to bring up his son in a way that would make his father proud. This is how the Black Male Positivity Project was born.
β€œWith the increasing reporting of Black men being the victims or perpetrators of violence, we want to spotlight the positive achievements and roles of Black men in their communities. If young men continually see themselves represented in the media in a negative way, it does not give them a lot to look up to. Neither does it help to change the trajectory of their lives.”
The idea is to celebrate Black men who are positive role models in society, in order to create a space for discussion and learning through honest reflection. And to facilitate healing through the unlearning of cultural or patriarchal practices that do not serve the best interests of modern life in a 21st-century society.
β€œIn our recent support group meeting I realised that most brothers are parenting through generational trauma, and are not aware of it. It is through the understanding of issues such as the impact of the migrant labour system on Black fatherhood, that we can develop appropriate support systems for modern, young Black men.”
For the younger generations, the project provides an ongoing mentorship programme, an after-school homework programme and a school-based literacy initiative.
For the adults, they host a variety of support groups that deal with issues such as sexual health, new fatherhood and paternity rights. They also have a curated online bookshop that focuses on relatable stories by Black, African, male authors.
Together with the NPO Heartlines, they host an annual Father’s Day bike ride which brings a wide community of men together, to connect, celebrate and support each other on a long-term basis.
You can probably tell that Arnold is also passionate about books. He gets that from his dad.

Jarryd Watson: Inclusivity and Artsβ€œDance can impact the marginalised, it's such a powerful force to impact people posit...
09/11/2023

Jarryd Watson: Inclusivity and Arts

β€œDance can impact the marginalised, it's such a powerful force to impact people positively.”
At 20 years old, after completing his studies at performance school, Jarryd Watson took over the management of the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation (WACO).
He pressed pause on his own journey as a performer to give himself up to a short period of service to his community. That was 16 years ago.
Since then, through his sheer dedication and determination, they have managed to take dancers from Wentworth to international dance competitions around the world, receiving recognition for their talent as performers in the UK and USA.
But the work has gone far beyond simply teaching kids to dance. The primary goal is to improve the lives of those who attend. Keeping them safe and in school, as well as making them feel supported in every aspect of their lives, is of great importance. As the work can range from organising bursaries to finding safe housing, and everything in between, the responsibility goes way beyond a simple dance project.
β€œIt’s about benefitting others and giving them the opportunity to grow in life. It’s not just about dance steps. So many kids have been through this project and succeeded in life.”
For the last eight years, Jarryd has focussed on inclusivity, starting a programme for people with disabilities to learn how to dance and grow as performers.
The β€œspecial needs disabled training and development programme” started with just six people and has grown over the years to include 48 community members, including people in wheelchairs, amputees and people with visual impairments. Although the challenges in this new direction are many, the impact has been huge.
One of the major challenges has been to find the equipment needed to run the inclusivity programme. A specialist wheelchair for dancing would provide the stability, speed and movement needed to teach safely and effectively. They cost around R50,000 and Jarryd needs three of them.

β€œCHOOSE TO LIVE” T-shirt campaign in collaboration with SMAF campaign. Only 5 πŸ‘• left and only 3 days to go. Get yours an...
20/10/2023

β€œCHOOSE TO LIVE” T-shirt campaign in collaboration with SMAF campaign. Only 5 πŸ‘• left and only 3 days to go. Get yours and send us a picture of you wearing it at work or out in public. Let’s wear the t-shirt and break the silence.

Visit www.theactionists.co.za to join the campaign. Link in bio.

Simon MphelaMental Health Actionistβ€œTalk to someone”. With this simple message, Simon (left) and his team are trying to ...
17/10/2023

Simon Mphela
Mental Health Actionist

β€œTalk to someone”. With this simple message, Simon (left) and his team are trying to save lives.

In 2020, Simon’s close friend and neighbour took his own life. This wasn’t the first time he had lost someone to su***de.

A graphic designer by trade, Simon decided to use his creative skills to design a series of T-shirts and a bold information pamphlet aimed at raising awareness about su***de and mental health issues. Simon then started a su***de prevention movement, which he later registered as an NPO called SMAF (Save Men and Flowers). He then recruited a team of dedicated, selfless individuals from around Kagiso township to join him.

SMAF runs a simple but effective programme utilising two weekly social media campaigns and an ongoing public engagement initiative using fashion as a means of activism and connection.

The Monday campaign is called β€œO grand jo?” (are you fine?), and it encourages people to check in on each other more often and to show love, care and support.

All five volunteers have a range of SMAF-branded T-shirts which they commit to wearing whenever they are in public. These carry simple messages; β€œDepression Is Real”, β€œWe Don’t Hide, We Confide” and β€œChoose To Live”, together with the telephone numbers for SADAG and the su***de crisis hotline.

They offer a first point of contact to anyone who needs help with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. To be available, on an ongoing basis, for anyone to approach. To talk, listen and if necessary, pass on the contact details that they need to get help.

And, this gentle invite to talk, is incredibly effective. Every day strangers will approach them or make a comment about the T-shirts. This often turns into a longer conversation.

β€œJust by listening you have helped people.”

By wearing the T-shirts, they start conversations more easily - and without having to probe. The T-shirt is, in essence, a sign that says β€˜I am open to talk about mental health if you need to’.

Simple ideas can often have the most impact. To be on hand to help anyone in the community who needs you is a generous gesture that can change a life.

Get involved - link in bio

Call to Actionist πŸ‘• Wear the Message, Save a Life! πŸ‘•Su***de claims the lives of 23 people in South Africa. Every. Single...
16/10/2023

Call to Actionist

πŸ‘• Wear the Message, Save a Life! πŸ‘•
Su***de claims the lives of 23 people in South Africa. Every. Single. Day.
Mental health issues, including su***de, are still shrouded in stigma, fear, shame and silence - which all work to prevent people from reaching out.

Simon Mphela and his team in Kagiso believe that a simple conversation holds immense power, can help someone who is struggling feel less alone and help prevent su***des.

Simon and a handful of volunteers at his organisation Save Men and Flowers (SMAF) are turning heads with their "Choose To Live" T-shirts. These shirts are more than just fabric; they're a powerful symbol to promote open discussions about mental health. Now, you have the chance to wear this message and make a difference!

Join our Call to Actionism: We're seeking 10 passionate individuals in South Africa ready to stand up for mental health. Purchase your "Choose To Live" T-shirt for just R100, wear it to work, and share a selfie with us. We'll proudly feature you on our campaign page and social media.

Simon created this shirt to invite conversations about mental health and let people know help is available. Are you inspired by his mission? Can you be a beacon of support in your community?

Get involved, buy a T-shirt, and wear it with pride. We have 10 T-shirts available, with free shipping across South Africa. All we ask is that you become a member of The Actionists and share your experience when you wear the shirt. Help us break the silence around mental health and, who knows, you might even help save a life.

Get involved - buy the T-shirt for R100 while limited stocks last:

www.theactionists.co.za/smaf

08/10/2023

Sibusiso Zulu: Sustainability Actionist

In his own words, Sibusiso Zulu is β€œan ambassador for creativity and social change” and it all began with Sneakers 4 Change…
In 2013 Sibu had one pair of sneakers. They had a hole in the side, so he used to stand with one foot behind the other to hide it from the other artists, musicians and skaters who he hung out with on the streets of Maboneng. As a plan to get new shoes for himself and his friends, Sibu approached a local club owner and proposed the idea of hosting an event where people could pay for entry by donating a pair of old sneakers.
They received 38 pairs and, after taking a few for himself and his friends, he decided to clean them up and donate them to Twilight Children’s Home.
β€œI felt like I had done something really amazing and the kids were really grateful.”
After seeing the effect this had on the kids, his focus quickly shifted from hosting events, to collecting and redistributing used sneakers. He started emailing schools and asking them to encourage the parents to bring in any old sneakers that their kids had outgrown. From the first school, he received 1,000 pairs.
β€œI had taken public transport to go and collect the shoes but when I got there and saw how many there were I had to go home, hire a bakkie and come back the next day.”
Since 2013, Sibu estimates that he has redistributed around 12,000 pairs of sneakers to various beneficiaries.

Over the last few years, Sibu has started various new ventures through his partnership with Makers Valley in Victoria Yards, Johannesburg. These include poetry sessions, youth expos, and his newest venture Swyft Lab - a clothing swap shop and customisation company that focuses on sustainability, environmental impact, and the circular economy.
It’s a win-win situation, providing people with a fresh wardrobe whilst also using local art, design, and craft to prolong the life of clothing.

Sneakers 4 Change Charity Drive
Twilight Children
Victoria Yards
Makers Valley

Celebrating the unsung heroes who are working to create a better South Africa. πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦

Janet Simpkins: River Pollution ActionistBlessed with fresh air, clean water and an abundance of wildlife, growing up on...
04/10/2023

Janet Simpkins: River Pollution Actionist

Blessed with fresh air, clean water and an abundance of wildlife, growing up on a plot of indigenous forest in the north of Johannesburg, she was set up for an outdoor life. Moving to the suburb of Emmerentia for schooling, she discovered her passion for water sports at the Emmerentia Dam Canoeing Club.

It wasn’t until Janet and her husband left Gauteng for the south coast of Durban, that she became aware of the state of the rivers that she was allowing her children to swim in. She realised the growing extent of water pollution and the lack of action that was being taken to combat it.

Instead of ordering them out of the water, Janet embarked on a campaign to save the rivers in Durban.

β€œThis is not my profession. I’m not a scientist. I was a mum and wanted something better for my family. I am so concerned about the world we are leaving for our kids.”

It was common knowledge that the rivers were full of pollution, that people were getting sick from hepatitis and diarrhoea, and that nobody was stepping up to take responsibility for fixing it. What started as a personal mission driven by the need to protect her family, quickly developed into a campaign that included a broader concern for the communities that relied on the water for their livelihoods.

Save Our Rivers ran a pilot project in 2018 that cleaned up the mouth of the Umgeni River. The waste build-up around the mangroves from decades of neglect had dramatically affected the quality of the water.

Although they managed to extract a huge amount of waste, Janet realised that to have any impact on an ongoing basis would be unsustainable without funding so she started an NPO called Adopt A River in 2020.

The idea behind Adopt A River is to engage government and corporations to partner and sponsor the cleanup of small stretches of river.

β€œRecognising that there are huge problems that I cannot solve alone, and by taking small stretches of a waterway, you can make meaningful changes. If you concentrate on community, and you start introducing jobs, education and upliftment, it can shine through. And when you get it right in one area, it can spread.”

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