ACCOUNTABILITY LAB SOUTH AFRICA

Deekay Sibanda is a media practitioner, she considers herself a black feminist, LGBTIQ activist, and Human Rights Defender who is passionate about influencing change using media as an advocacy tool to influence change. She developed her passion for activism when she was playing soccer for a women’s team in early 2000. Her work in defending and advancing the rights of women in sports who are marginalized and discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, gender and race, has shown how she wanted to see clubs, sports institutions to take accountability and acknowledge the fact that women in sport are underpaid as well. She used activism through sport to address issues of women in sport, particularly queer young women to be agents of their own lives. Her passion then evolves to visual art and media advocacy while she was working at the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) doing training and facilitating workshops/dialogues on virus topics to and for queer women, managing a lesbian soccer team, organizing Soweto Pride march and involved in women’s rights campaigns, just to see a just society. Through her activism she has traveled to regional and international countries, learning and experiencing various cultures. She was the LGBTI young activist of the year in 2012 and featured in the Mail & Guardian Book of South African Women in 2013. Sibanda is a member of AWID an international, feminist, membership organization committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women’s human rights.

Hometown: Katlehong in the East of Johannesburg

When I’m not at work, I’m: I am at my mom’s, or at my friend’s place or at the Saturday or Sunday markets selling rainbow merchandise.

Ask me about: Documentation/Visual arts

I am Funeka Manzi, a black feminist and social justice activist who is committed to working with communities towards impactful change. I have worked in mobilizing local communities through a programme aimed at addressing gender-based violence that focused on a collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach towards a responsive and effective criminal justice system. I am a part of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF Pillar 3 on Protection, Safety and Justice. I am interested in movement building and was inspired by the #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall and #TotalShudtdown movements. These social movements were organic and were an example of the manner in which people have used collective power to bring about change. They are a testament of the ways in which people in South Africa have held those in power to account for generational inequality and the injustices experienced in the country. I believe that this activist spirit can still be harnessed in order to bring about change in South Africa through the work of the Accountability Lab.

Hometown: Berlin, Eastern Cape.

When I’m not at work, I’m: I love going to live music festivals as often as I can. I’m also a back-up vocalist for an up and coming band. I try to go hiking as much as possible. It’s a great way to explore a different and calmer side to Joburg and to discover its hidden gems.

Ask me about: What to watch on Netflix and recommendations for indie films and good podcasts.

Sadia started her professional career at 18 after completing her high school education. She began as a junior staff member, and after nine months of hard work and dedication, she was promoted to mid-management. She took several internal courses, propelling her into a new role in the credits department. In 2003, she moved to Johannesburg, a move she describes as the turning point in her career. She worked at a company that was migrating company invoices from paper based to electronic format, which led her to build a successful career in finance. Throughout her career, Sadia has worked as a bank teller, manager, regional manager, and head of credit. At the age of 50, she became an expat to India. After 43 years working in the private sector, Sadia developed an interest in working in development and in spaces she can make a meaningful impact on society. She hopes to share her experience and knowledge with young people starting their careers.

Hometown: Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal

When I’m not at work, I’m: I am generally at home. I enjoy family time and de-stressing in the kitchen either baking or cooking.

Ask me about: Life