Introducing the network
ACTIVATE! a network of young change-makers across South Africa who are finding innovative ways to transform our communities and the country as a whole. We are doing this by thinking outside the box for innovative and effective solutions to some of our toughest challenges. To understand the power of the network watch this video.
Video: Showcase 2014 Highlights
The 2014 Innovation Showcase is an exciting event in the ACTIVATE! calendar for many reasons. Activators from across the country get the opportunity of getting together.
Meet our new Communications Officer
Nelisa Ngqulana joined ACTIVATE! during August 2013. One of the main objectives of her role is to tell South Africa what Activators are up to, how connecting through a network is helping shape changing across South Africa and identifying opportunities for media coverage for the different focus areas that Activators work in.
Should you require access to the ACTIVATE! branding for your event or material, please contact Nelisa on communications@localhost and she will assist with guidelines on how to apply the brand on your material.
Please feel free to submit any ideas for media coverage that you may have or if you require assistance when contacted by media.
Activator Story: Mokgadi Matlakala
Activator Mokgadi takes us on a journey through her community as she explains how her community has shaped her.
Terence on Shift
Terence was on Shift a programme that is broadcast on SABC 1. He was explaining what Activate! Change Drivers is all about.
Mhlanganisi on eTV Sunrise
Activator Mhlanganisi was involved in a discussion on eTV on “Do we (South Africans) take our freedom for granted?” What are your thoughts on this topic?
ONE BILLION RISING: LET’S JOIN ACTIVE CITIZENS ACROSS THE GLOBE!
Wow! Imagine us South Africans joining one billion people across the globe in the world’s biggest peaceful protest! On February 14 this year, the earth with shake with the sound of feet dancing in protest against the horror of rape, a violent act that far too many of the women in our country experience on a daily basis.
And so, this is the call to action for February 14 that fellow citizens across the globe have already planned for …”Stage a rising in your community, office, social group, or school. Organize a flash mob at a landmark building/site, in the streets or in a nearby mall. Have a dance party, produce a theatrical event, march in your streets, protest, strike, dance and above all RISE!”
Today, on the planet, a billion women – one of every three women on the planet – will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. That’s ONE BILLION mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, and friends violated. V-Day REFUSES to stand by as more than a billion women experience violence.
On February 14th, 2013, we are inviting one billion women and those who love them to walk out, DANCE, RISE UP, AND DEMAND an end to this violence. One Billion Rising is a promise that we will rise up with women and men worldwide to say, “Enough! The violence ends now.”
To find out more, click here
PUBLIC INNOVATION: AN ACTIVATOR SHARES HER STORY
When Siphelele Chirwa took the stand in front of nearly 200 other young South Africans at an innovation showcase outside Johannesburg last month, her words rose above the glorious thunderstorm breaking outside. Imagine, she asked, getting to the end of your life and nobody has ever asked you what your big dream was.
Inspiring, honest and clear, Chirwa set a great example of the power of humility and the mighty potential that can be ignited when community members become active citizens and say ‘what if’ instead of ‘if only’ …
JAY NAIDOO PASSES THE BATON ONTO THE NEXT GENERATION
Struggle stalwart Jay Naidoo has called on young change-makers in South Africa to not fall into the trap of pursuing individual success at the expense of their communities.
Addressing a group of young ‘activators’ who wish to lead South Africa into an era of innovative thinking for the public good, Naidoo said,
“As a generation, you will not be judged on your individual success but rather on how you thought in terms of ubuntu and your communities.”
And, he added, “We have to ask ourselves what we have to do today to be the world’s leading country and continent with a narrative that speaks about ‘sailing’ together. We have the dubious honour of being one of the most unequal societies on earth, and it is up to you, the young change-makers of the land, to make sure we have accountable leaders.”