The Faces of Change
Meet the Nelsons
Established in 2019, the Be a Nelson Movement empowers emerging grassroots changemakers to shift from survival thinking to action and independence.
Pilasande Mlatha
Ngobozana, Eastern Cape, South Africa
“A chemistry master’s student and rural changemaker turning science, resilience, and mentorship into community impact.”
Loyiso Pieterse
Belmont Park, Kraaifontein, Western Cape
“Founder of Konke Bin Cleaning & Recycling, creating dignity, jobs, and creative space from sanitation services in Kraaifontein.”
Zimasa Mretyana
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
“Founder of the Rivoni Foundation, feeding communities through soup kitchens, gardens, and youth empowerment.”
Thuso Pejane
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
“Soweto-born changemaker building ResPlek to make verified student housing safer and more accessible.”
Muganyizi Melchoir
Biharamulo, Tanzania
“Founder of PALES, a Tanzanian grassroots NGO empowering women, health, and sustainable livelihoods.”
Bafana Binda
Olievenhoutbosch, Gauteng, South Africa
“Township photographer and Be a Nelson creative documenting stories that build hope and opportunity.”
Mahlatsi Molepo
Johannesburg, Gauteng
“A community worker and entrepreneur fighting GBV while creating income opportunities for young people.”
Tanya Mupfure
Cape Town, Western Cape
“A social work student and church youth volunteer working to support vulnerable people in her community.”
Mandela Nkabila
Lusaka, Zambia
“A community volunteer and legal advocate helping people understand and protect their rights.”
Agnes Zulu Mamathe
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Amanda Mkhwanazi
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Andile Gumede
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Angel Nemakonde
Midrand Rabie Ridge, Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Bifale Kalonda
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Cassidy Carstens
Western Cape, South Africa
“A Western Cape-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Ditebogo Popela
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Enetani Chauke
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Ernest Mngomeni
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Fortunate Mokoena
Free State, South Africa
“A Free State-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Gabriel Letsoela
Free State, South Africa
“A Free State-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Gontse Molope
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Itumeleng Rameetse
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
John Semenya
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Kabelo Waleng
Olievenhoutbosch, Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Khumbuzile Netshituni
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Kiara van Neel
Belhar, Western Cape, South Africa
“A Western Cape-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Lerato Hanyame
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Lerato Hanyane
Orange Farm, Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Ludonga Tshabalala
Western Cape, South Africa
“A Western Cape-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Lutendo Nesengani
Allendale, Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Mahlatse Madisha
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Mandla Langa
Ivory Park, Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Martha Masipa
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Matome Popela
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Mduduzi Zikhali
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Mlungisi Dlamini
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Nonkululeko Nzama
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Philiswa Dlamini
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Ray Mwanza
Zambia
“A Zambia-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Rebelani Manweli
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Samkelo Matyantya
Western Cape, South Africa
“A Western Cape-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Sikhelela Ndawule
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Sydney Mohloganyo
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Thami Majiki
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Tshwarelo Mkhabela
Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Tumelo Maganyela
Mamelodi, Gauteng, South Africa
“A Gauteng-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
Wonderboy Gina
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
“A KwaZulu-Natal-based Be a Nelson changemaker committed to community impact.”
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