The Actionists (List) | Thom Pierce Studios

Celebrating the unsung heroes of South Africa

on-the-ground innovators creating positive change in their communities

The Actionists was created in 2023 as a visual response to the narrative that nothing positive was happening in South Africa.

Originally published in Daily Maverick, the campaign drew attention to the unsung heroes who are working tirelessly to create a more fair and equal society. It soon developed into a valuable collection of stories about community champions around the country.

My mission was to create an ongoing database of inspiring profiles and connect them with aligned organisations to publicly showcase and celebrate their valuable work. It was funded through partnerships with organisations who want to champion individuals making a positive change around South Africa.

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

Life Esidimeni

Justice through documenting a national crisis

Lindi Nzwane

Empowering woman to speak for themselves

Matilda Tsitsi Fakasi

A safe space for survivors in Masiphumelele

Mphatheleni Makaulule

Food security through indigenous knowledge

Norma Mbele

Standing alongside victims of GBV

Rachel Bukasa

Activist and leader of social support

Sethembiso Promise Mthembu

A voice for the victims of forced sterilisation

Duduzile Xaba & Mbalizethu Khumalo

Creating a vocational school in Orange Farm

Freedom Nonkululeko ‘Nox’ Mtshali

Supporting the Vaal LGBTQIA+ community

Mamiki Masilo

Educating the youth on sexual health rights

Ntsiki Khunju

Economic empowerment for young women

Selokela ‘Slu’ Molamodi

Radio host encouraging the youth to vote