Born & bred in Cape Town, I was lucky to have the chance of spending 2 years working in Switzerland during the pandemic, and having the opportunity to step outside of ‘the bubble’ of living in South Africa, it became really apparent how bad the gross social & economic divide is between our communities. With a very limited amount of Government support, so many live in poverty, while many others live very comfortably.

As a young person growing up in Cape Town I had assumed this is just how things were, but now I see that it doesnt’ have to be. By activating people, those with more can easily help those with less. I’ve met so many people in my life, and most want to help those less fortunate but generally don’t know how. I see this as my mission, to use my skills and networks to bridge these gaps between conscious hearts and those who need some help.

I come from a family that has always veered towards social justice. My grandfather Rev. Mark Nye was a priest who came to South Africa in the 1950’s to lead a huge mission station serving a large oppressed black community. He was locked up during Apartheid by the Secret Police for his role in defending Nelson Mandela and others during the Rivonia (Treason) Trial. My aunt Rev. Claire Hunter-Nye has led churches in impoverished communities like Bonteheuvel & Makhanda. My parents Dr David & Dr Sandi Nye are both in the medical fields, constantly working to heal and support those less fortunate. The family has a large network of people they support, and have always shown me that there is no greater priviledge than to serve those in need.

Living in the small village of Kommetjie on the southern tip of Cape Town, we have two large poor communities next door ( Masiphumele & Ocean View), both remnants from our troubled past of segregation. And all the social ills that are a consequence of it. This led me on a path of self-education to find out how we got here. I learned Apartheid was just the tip of the iceberg, terrible things going all the way back to European colonialism with so many atrocities that occurred, rippling all the way to the present. Learning about our past, it starts to be clearer why things are like they are today. And with this knowledge its clear why we all need to do more to make a difference.