Who We Are
#UniteBehind is a registered Non-Profit Company and Public Benefit Organisation.
#UniteBehind began in 2017 as a coalition of over twenty organisations with a collective desire for social justice and progressive change in South Africa. In 2018, we established ourselves as a dedicated non-profit organisation in response to various social and political challenges facing the nation, including, but not limited to, corruption, inequality, and inadequate service delivery.
The formation of #UniteBehind emerged from a collective of activists spanning various movements, including youth, seasoned activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, labourers, and the unemployed.
Through strategic initiatives, targeted legal interventions, and collaborative efforts, we work tirelessly to address systemic issues and amplify the voices of our society’s most marginalised people.
We are commitmed to mobilising against the current crisis of state capture. This crisis, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our society, is a key focus of our efforts. We mobilise communities, individuals, and other organisations to stand together in pursuit of a just and equitable South Africa.
#UniteBehind Our Campaigns
Electricity Action Campaign
Currently, there is a lack of a truly grassroots movement promoting renewable energy solutions within our country. #UniteBehind launched an Electricity Action Campaign with the aim of fostering a grassroots movement that advocates for renewable energy solutions in response to South Africa’s electricity crisis. Electricity supply is erratic and increasingly unaffordable for low-income households.
#FixOurTrains
In a spatially, racially and economically segregated society such as South Africa, passenger rail is vital for poor and working-class people to access social services, employment, and recreational activities. Our rail service has been destroyed by corruption and maladministration. In light of this, one of our core objectives focuses on fixing the rail service through our #FixOurTrains Campaign.
Founding Principles
Our core principles revolve around advocating for a democratic South Africa where individuals actively participate in decisions that shape their lives. We advocate for an accountable, transparent, ethical, and effective government that prioritizes the needs of its people. This ethos extends to all individuals wielding authority or responsibility within society, urging government and business entities to ensure fair wages, job creation, sustainable energy practices, eradication of corruption, wealth redistribution, safety for all, free quality education and healthcare, among other critical societal aspects.
Key Issues & Methods
At #UniteBehind, our focus revolves around tackling deep-seated injustices: inequality, unemployment, apartheid remnants, gender-based violence, and crime. These issues disproportionately impact the most vulnerable in our society. Central to our efforts is combating state capture, an affliction eroding our nation’s fabric.
We utilise a multifaceted methodology that includes:
# Public education to raise awareness and empower communities.
# Progressive protests as a platform for collective voice and action.
# Political advocacy to drive policy change.
# Litigation to hold entities accountable.
Previous Campaigns
UniteBehind’s campaigns focus on fixing the state. We aim to end state capture and improve governance, particularly involving SOEs affecting the poor and working class the most: Eskom and PRASA. We mobilise, motivate, and litigate to combat corruption, solve the electricity crisis and #FixOurTrains.
#FIXOURTRAINS
The State Capture Commission of Inquiry was clear: gangster-elite syndicates have captured our public institutions.
#FIXOURTRAINS
The State Capture Commission of Inquiry was clear: gangster-elite syndicates have captured our public institutions.
#FIXOURTRAINS
The State Capture Commission of Inquiry was clear: gangster-elite syndicates have captured our public institutions.
#FIXOURTRAINS
The State Capture Commission of Inquiry was clear: gangster-elite syndicates have captured our public institutions.
Our Team
The #UniteBehind team is comprised of a diverse array of individuals, including activists, organizers, campaigners, and volunteers, hailing from various backgrounds and movements. This amalgamation of perspectives and experiences strengthens our commitment to fostering positive change in South Africa.
Madoda Cuphe
A community leader that is involved in community development. Holds two Masters degrees in Development and Political science. He is currently a supporter and mentor of social movement leadership. He supports the social movement leadership with skills and organization development. He believes that, his generation role is to assist the new generation play its historic role in society effectively.
Joe
Title
Description
Pule
Title
Description
NOMISILE MAPUKATA
Organizer
An active leader in her I, with experience in community organizing within Political campaigns. She is all about maintaining an effective working relationship with community Leaders.
LINDIWE EUNICE MVANDABA
Organizer
An activist, who seeks to empower the underrepresented communities. She has worked with various organizations and mastered the art of building trust within her community. Also Collaborated with other community based organization to address the issues in the community. For someone who’s experience in counseling, dealing with people’s issues is not a problem.
Phelisa
Title
Description
Mam Q
Title
Description
ZUKISWA VUKA
Director
No Content
MASIZOLE GONYELA
No Content
Passionate about Protection and Promotion of Human Rights Experience: He is a human rights activist. For years now, his activism has been on Health systems reforms, with a special focus on HIV/Aids management. Currently, he is on journey of broadening his scope of activism beyond health, learn and be actively involved in spaces aimed at finding solutions to corruption, transport and electricity crisis in South Africa. Hobbies: He likes Reading, Fitness training and hiking.
MASIZOLE GONYELA
No Content
Passionate about Protection and Promotion of Human Rights Experience: He is a human rights activist. For years now, his activism has been on Health systems reforms, with a special focus on HIV/Aids management. Currently, he is on journey of broadening his scope of activism beyond health, learn and be actively involved in spaces aimed at finding solutions to corruption, transport and electricity crisis in South Africa. Hobbies: He likes Reading, Fitness training and hiking.
PHUMZA MHLUNGWINI
Administrator
Our admin with over 3 years of experience working with non-profit organizations. As the admin, she participates in budget preparation, data capturing and organising. Additionally, she provides assistance to the directors and other employees to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In her previous position at Equal Education, she served in various roles and this has trained her to consistently provide excellent administration support.
ASANELE MVANDABA
Intern
Recent graduate with a degree in Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and media Studies. In addition to her education, she served as a project leader at the UJ Community engagement Unit for two years. This tremendous experience has helped her to become a team player and develop exceptional leadership skills. In her present role, she engages in a variety of activities such as: creating social Media Posts, writing reports, making calls and facilitating in our community workshops. For her, this is not a job but a deep passion. She greatly enjoys getting an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.