Grassroots Resilient Stories is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to sharing and amplifying the stories of local communities building resilience from the ground up. With our current focus on projects in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Makhanda, our organisation aims to support and uplift communities by highlighting their efforts and successes in overcoming challenges and fostering resilience.

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Our Work:

We collaborate closely with various community-based or grassroots organisations and community groups to create spaces to listen to, document and share their stories.

 

Grassroots Resilient Stories is proud to be partnered with the Waste Pickers Movement in Makhanda and the Ntirhisano Community Centre in Salt River. By supporting these initiatives, we contribute to the collective efforts of building resilient communities.

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Through our partnerships, we work from within communities to shed light on their achievements, challenges, and innovative solutions. Our team engages in research, storytelling, and media production to effectively convey the narratives of these remarkable communities. By amplifying their stories, we aim to inspire and inform others while promoting a deeper understanding of the transformative power of grassroots resilience.

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Our History:

The roots of Grassroots Resilience Stories trace back to the Mass Solidarity Movement which started in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, in 2017. The collective was founded by Phillip Nyalungu, Laurence Stewart, and Duncan Seoke, who were students at Rhodes University at the time. The MSM emerged from their individual research on waste pickers' living conditions and lack of support at the local municipal dump site.

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Phillip Nyalungu, a seasoned community activist, recognised the need for support and advocacy for the rights of informal workers. He initiated an informal organization that began with a community garden project for waste pickers. This endeavor ignited a movement of activism, awareness, and advocacy for informal workers' rights across the country.

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Since its inception, the MSM has expanded its reach, working on projects nationally and establishing a strong network in solidarity with workers throughout South Africa.

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Get Involved:

Grassroots Resilient Stories believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change and promote resilience. If you are passionate about community empowerment, social justice, and amplifying grassroots voices, we invite you to join us in our mission. Explore our website for ways to support our partners and contribute to the resilience of local communities.

Together, we can create a platform where the stories of resilience, strength, and hope from the ground up are heard, valued, and shared widely.

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