(From Top Left to Bottom Right) Anathi Siyasi, Nozipho Ntshingila, Sonia Mzunga, Tshegofatso Matsha, Nomzamo Octavia Ngcobo, Aphelele Mkhangwana
Anathi Siyasi
Anathi Siyasi is deeply committed to advocating for social justice and equality for all members of society. Her unwavering dedication to addressing social injustices within public institutions has ignited her enthusiasm for advancing social justice through advocacy and activism. She firmly believes that every individual, irrespective of their background, deserves to have a voice.
Throughout her academic pursuits, she actively engaged in community-focused
initiatives and development projects, contributing significantly to community
advocacy efforts. She perceives her role as a nurse to extend beyond the confines of the consultation room, realising the importance of positively impacting people’s lives within their communities and homes.
Nozipho Ntshingila
Nozipho believes that it is up to the marginalized in society to imagine what is just. For this reason, she decided to contribute her gift of the pen to social justice activism by using her background as a storyteller in filmmaking and citizen journalism, where she writes about emerging farmers in her community.
Sonia Mzunga
Sonia Mzunga is passionate about advocating for children’s and black women’s rights. In 2021, she was elected to become a community leader, where she worked closely with the Ward councillor. Her focus was mainly on Poverty alleviation and Employment. Sonia’s dedication to the cause continues to be visible as she strives to improve the lives of vulnerable black women.
Through the 2024 Fellowship, Sonia aspires to utilize her strength to become a “kick up dust” campaigner in the Social Activism spectrum.
Tshegofatso Matsha
Tshegofatso Matsha is a queer organiser who has spent the majority of their life moving around South Africa. Raised in Buccleuch, they were led to activism spaces through addressing injustice at their school in Pretoria. Tshegofatso has always been led by the principle of ensuring all those intentionally left out in society are seen and that their voices are amplified and included in creating a more just and equal world.
Nomzamo Octavia Ngcobo
Nomzamo Octavia Ngcobo is a dedicated social activist who has tirelessly advocated for marginalised communities’ rights and wellbeing. Born and raised in a diverse township, she was exposed early to the challenges faced by the black majority.
Nomzamo has worked with several NGOs focusing on food insecurity, immigration issues and community development.
Today, Nomzamo continues her work with unrelenting dedication, striving to create a world where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute to their community.
Aphelele Mkhangwana
Aphelele Mkhangwana believes in radical empathy and the power of small actions by everyday people to make massive changes in society. Growing up in townships, she was inspired by black people’s relentless joy and generosity, even in the face of poverty. She now wants to hold accountable the structures that continue to fail the people they claim to serve. Aphelele envisions a world where everyone has multiple opportunities to reach their fullest potential, and building that world starts with making information and resources accessible to everyone.
