Municipal Oversight & Accountability Programme: Johannesburg

Moeketsi Koahela

I am an education and training officer in the Youth Activism Programme at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) and represent the foundation on the National Youth Coalition, where I am also the chairperson. I previously held a project assistant role responsible for training and development at the Development and Leadership Unit (DLU) in the Centre for Student Development (CSD) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. I hold a Master of Arts in Sociology (2022) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. My dissertation explored “How is masculinity performed among male university students in an all-male residence at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.” I also hold a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Sociology (2018), and a Bachelor of Arts degree (2017) having majored in Psychology and Sociology, from the same university.

Sandile Soxokashe

I am a 25-year-old community organiser from Bekkersdal who founded two organisations: IKAMVA LAM LIKUM and BE THE FUTURE FOUNDATION. Both organisations deal with community development and youth empowerment: IKAMVA LAM LIKUM deals with youth empowerment on social, educational, entrepreneurship skills and in partnership with different companies to make sure our vision becomes a success and practical; BE THE FUTURE FOUNDATION strongly invests in reimagining our communities through human rights and civic education, and in climate justice work.

Jamila Metedad

I am a registered Wellness Counsellor (ASCHP WC24/6079), inclusive education consultant, and social entrepreneur with more than 8 years’ experience in specialised learning interventions and holistic support solutions. As a post-graduate psychology student, I aspire to become a clinical neuropsychologist, focusing my professional interests on the promotion and improvement of public health and education in disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations.

I am the founder of BUILD Education Services and Solutions, a social enterprise and multidisciplinary referral network committed to making education inclusive and accessible to people with special needs and disabilities. My work with NGOs, community organisations, specialists, and service providers reflect my deep appreciation for grassroots efforts to create an equitable and sustainable society.

Nhletelo Mabasa

I am a student leader and activist from Johannesburg, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. As chairperson of Amnesty International Wits, I lead initiatives advocating for human rights and social justice, focusing on marginalised communities. My commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities is evident in my founding role in the #StopTheLeak campaign, which tackles period poverty and promotes menstrual equity. In addition to my leadership position at Amnesty, I serve as deputy chairperson of the ABSIP Wits Student Chapter and hold various positions within the university’s student governance structures such as the School of Social Sciences Student Council and the Khomanani Student Society (as the deputy secretary), the SRC CSO (Clubs and Society) cluster representative. I am actively involved in the Wits Gender Equity Office, advocating for gender equality and influencing policy development. Furthermore, I am involved in volunteer work with the Wits Citizenship and Community Outreach and was awarded the “Active Citizen” award in 2023. Under my direction, the campaign has mobilised communities, fostering sustainable change. My team and I have also spearheaded the #VoteForHumanRights campaign for Amnesty International and are actively engaged in the Abahlali baseMjondolo campaign, advocating for the rights of informal settlement residents.

Marvin Sibande

I am a 22-year-old Human Resources student committed to activism and social justice. Hailing from Stoffberg, Mpumalanga, I’ve always been interested in the intersection of politics and the power of advocacy. My journey as an activist started when I joined Equal Education (EE) as a learner. I’ve since become a post-school youth volunteer facilitator and now serve as EE Community Leader in Gauteng and was recently appointed to EE’s Human Resources Subcommittee. EE has been my political home, shaping my understanding of social complexities and teaching me the value of collective action and community-driven change. Additionally, I’m an active member of a mental health youth forum, engaging in crucial conversations and supporting initiatives there. Through these experiences, I’ve come to realise that education, community, and mental wellness are intertwined, fuelling my commitment to delving deeper into South Africa’s political landscape, learning from multiple perspectives, and sharing my experiences and insights to inspire positive change.

Siphokuhle Gift Maphalala

I was born in 1992 and attended the Nkangala FET College in Siyabuswa KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga. I joined and participated in the development of Slovo Park through the Slovo Park Community Development Forum immediately after school. My community activism is focused on improving my community.

Kenneth Nkuna

I live in Slovo Park. I was born in 1992 in Soweto. I became an activist in 2016. I am currently the secretary for the Slovo Park Community Development Youth Forum, an organisation dedicated to the young people of Slovo Park. I completed my secondary school education at Progress Comprehensive School in Pimville Zone 4 in Soweto. My activism is focused on community development as well as youth empowerment programmes such as skills development and a youth centre for Slovo Park.

Lindokuhle Hlongwane

I am a student activist, and currently serve as a volunteer facilitator for Equal Education. Being part of this youth led organisation has taught me to be able to stand up for the rights of young black children in public schools. I hold an N6 Diploma in Tourism from Ekurhuleni East TVET College. I am dedicated to reshaping and restructuring youth politics and activism with the aim of involving marginalised voices. I recently started helping high school learners with applications to tertiary institutions after seeing that learners from my community in KwaThema did not have the resources to apply to these institutions and for assistance from the NSFAS.

Lebogang Shikwambane

I am a senior communications and digital campaigns manager for We Are The People, a voluntary association dedicated to fostering continuous citizen participation in democracy. With a background in law, media and a passion for social development, I leverage my expertise in communications to create impactful digital campaigns and strategies that mobilise communities. My work is driven by a deep commitment to promoting democratic values and ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard.

Malaika Motsoai

I am a South African geophysicist and co-chief operating officer of the Faculty of Best Advisory, an NPO that has dedicated over a decade to empowering communities by providing valuable information, particularly to students from low socio-economic backgrounds. I recently earned my Master of Science in Geophysics, and I am passionate about influencing policy changes in the energy sector to enhance both human life and environmental sustainability. Beyond my scientific work, I am involved in NGOs focused on youth leadership and educational reform, advocating for more inclusive and flexible learning environments. I am also an ASRI Future Leaders Programme 2020/2021 alumnus. I was runner-up for the Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year Award (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for my commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service to the university community and beyond.

Samukelisiwe Msane

I am a passionate human rights activist working at SECTION27 and a final-year law student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. My dedication to advocating for the rights of vulnerable members of society runs deep, and I thrive on actively engaging in programs that empower marginalized groups to protect their rights. I’ve volunteered at the Denise Hurley Centre homeless shelter, where I educated the homeless community about their basic human rights and took their concerns to the relevant authorities. One of my proudest achievements is rallying small businesses to donate sanitary pads to our student organization – Enactus. At SECTION27, I’m part of the legal team working to drive systematic reform in our basic education system through strategic litigation and community mobilization. Our work at SECTION27 has made me aspire to specialize in Health Law at postgraduate level.

Ibrahim Ahmad Hendricks

I am a qualified sport manager with a passion for community development and upliftment. For the past six years, I have been actively involved in community work with the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in my area, striving to make a positive impact. Currently, I coach my own soccer team, where I apply my expertise and enthusiasm for sports to inspire and develop young athletes. My dedication to continuous learning and growth drives me to seek new experiences and deepen my knowledge in community development. I believe in the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting change. Always ready to embrace new challenges, I am committed to fostering a supportive and thriving community through my work and passion for sports. I am currently working with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation in youth development.

Kholofelo Baloyi

I am a seasoned professional with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Science and Technology and a Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice. I also hold a Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate from the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) and an alumna of the ASRI Fellowship, class of 2017.

With over seven years of experience in community development, I have distinguished myself as a highly adaptable and motivated individual. My deep understanding of developmental and social issues has earned me recognition as a precocious talent. I played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading social relief programmes in Gauteng. My efforts were recognised with an award from the Minister of Social Development for my exceptional contributions to community-based responses during the crisis. In my professional capacity, I currently serve as an executive assistant to a Member of the Mayoral Committee at the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. My previous roles included coordinating community safety initiatives at the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and participating in the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

Dean Laurie

I am a 31-year-old activist, and I am currently the desk treasurer for the Johannesburg District Youth Crime Prevention, as well as being a member of the Slovo Park Community Development Youth Forum. I am passionate about seeing progress in my community, and my main focus lies in youth development and crime prevention. Witnessing the positive impact of my efforts is deeply fulfilling for me.

Cahil Karrim

I am an attorney of the High Court and the director of Karrim Attorneys Incorporated which provides legal and advisory services to government entities, corporate clients, as well as individuals. I am skilled in specialised legal advisory services and litigation in different areas of practice, as well as the advisory, application and compliance solutions for corporate governance needs of clients. I work in the corporate environment on issues ranging from regulatory law, corporate governance and compliance and related disputes, as well as forensic and auditing experience within small, medium, and large government entities.

I have served as the legal counsel for various medium to large corporate entities, and provided advisory opinions, litigation strategy for initiating proceedings in disciplinary hearings. I also presided over disciplinary proceedings and conducted workplace investigations involving allegations of medical certificate fraud, workplace bullying, and allegations of theft.

I have worked on numerous forensic investigations conducted which involved financial transactions and/or whistle blowing complaints, in the excess of R100 million.

Vanda Dlamini

I am an activist, artist, and a beauty specialist. I am always eager to learn new things and as a woman I believe in working hard for myself. I became an activist because of the living conditions in my community, and I felt that I needed answers to try and solve crime or corruption so the world can be a better place. I am a very kind and talkative person. I am excited to be in this programme because I would say “I love fixing the country.” I am a volunteer and facilitator with Equal Education.