27/08/26
Mandisa’s commitment to climate justice grew from her experiences in rural South Africa. Today, she is part of Green Anglicans, a movement that has expanded across Africa and beyond.
Clean water, electricity and waste services were limited where Mandisa lived.
This influenced her desire to advocate for inclusion and educate children and young people about conserving local resources.
Her Anglican faith gave this conviction a foundation.
Mandisa often considers how her work fits within The Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Church. She is particularly drawn to the fourth and fifth marks.
The fourth calls the Church to transform unjust structures, challenge violence and pursue peace and reconciliation. The fifth calls Anglicans to safeguard creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
These marks motivate her to speak out against injustice caused by environmental degradation and preserve the resources available to her.
Carrying the message into new places
In 2018, Mandisa joined a delegation attending the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) Youth Conference in Kenya. There, they spoke about the Green Anglicans movement and the ways churches were responding to environmental issues.
Mandisa remembers the gathering as an important moment in the emergence of Green Anglicans Kenya. The network has since expanded into Green Anglicans Africa, bringing together provinces and dioceses across the continent.
Provinces and dioceses are now appointing dedicated environmental coordinators to support local churches in responding to environmental challenges.
Helping young people be heard
Through AOA’s partner Green Anglicans, Mandisa has contributed to government, educational, traditional, ecumenical and interfaith forums.
She has also spoken at COP28 about the contribution people of faith can make.
‘The use of photography and social media as tools of positive influence has motivated me to train other young people,’ Mandisa says.
She supports young people to use photography, short-form video and webinars to communicate their experiences and ideas.
These opportunities allow young people to use their voices within the church and beyond.
