What do you love most about working with/for BESG?

BESG is one of the oldest existing NPOs in Pietermaritzburg, and has a rich history of working to advance the rights of impoverished and marginalised people.

How did you come to work at BESG?

The establishment of the Programs Manager role, following the onset of the 2022 – 2024 strategic period for BESG, I was recruited to support BESG in developing and strengthening its practice.

What did you study and why?

I studied Bachelor of Arts, with majors in Sociology, Psychology and English. My intention initially was to become a Psychologist that works with marginalised communities, but this did not materialise.

How would you want your community in Pietermaritzburg to describe the work you do?

As an activist who is deeply rooted in the struggles of marginalised people, through acts of solidarity and doing work that restores their dignity

Why does your work matter to you?

it matters to me because our work with communities actively involves us, as an organisation to support local struggles, especially relating to access to basic services and housing. BESG is in organisation that shows up for, yet also willing to sit with people in working through uncomfortable issues impacting the social transformation that is desired.

What is the most difficult part of your job/profession?

Seeing young black people losing hope of a future that was promised, and resorting to substance abuse to appease themselves.

What inspires you?

When I see people we have supported, gaining their confidence and actively engage in common actions that have a potential to change the status quo, and shift the balance of power

What stirs up anger and frustration inside of you when you look at the communities you serve?

When I see behaviours and actions that indicate that they do not have power to transform their situation, instead they still hope someone or institution will and should come and rescue them.

If you could flick a magic wand and *poof* a little magic happened, what would that be?

It would be a society where ALL people have access to enough land, resources, education, livelihood means, food and shelter to live a dignified life, where people support other people and work for the common good, without having to depend on others for their survival

What inspires you to wake up and give of your best every morning?

It is the privilege of contributing to make fellow people’s lives better through BESG’s acts of solidarity.

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