From Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi to Nelson Mandela and William Wilberforce, history has been shaped by those who dared to challenge injustice and demand dignity for all. Their legacies serve as a reminder that true social justice is not merely a product of policies and legal frameworks but must be ingrained in the fabric of society itself.
As we observe Human Rights Month this March, the stark reality remains: systemic bias continues to shape daily experiences, often in ways unseen by those who benefit from the status quo. The true challenge for those in positions of power is comprehending what it means to be treated as ‘less than’—a reality that, over time, leads to a poverty of being. Addressing this requires more than legal protections; it demands a fundamental shift in how society perceives and redistributes power.
Beyond Charity: Reclaiming Dignity and Agency
Deepening a culture of social justice and human rights is not about charity—it is about honour, dignity, and true equality. Traditional charitable giving often reinforces power imbalances, unintentionally diminishing those they seek to help. Mandy Pearson, CEO of the ReStory Foundation, challenges this paradigm.
“True social justice is not about giving to the disadvantaged; it is about recognising the wealth and giftedness in every individual. The work we do is about restoring dignity and ensuring that all—both ‘givers’ and ‘receivers’—are seen as equal partners in shaping the future.”
The ReStory Foundation embodies this philosophy through its ‘eye2eye©’ approach, which challenges traditional structures by ensuring that both donors and beneficiaries are active participants in a shared journey of empowerment.
The impact of this approach is evident in Bhambayi, a historically marginalised community where ReStory has been deeply engaged. A caregiver from the community shared, “Out there, I feel like nothing. Not seen. Or seen as nothing. But when I walk in here, I feel seen, heard, and valued.” This is the essence of true transformation—where power is not hoarded but shared, and where justice is not just demanded but lived.
Empowering Bhambayi: Building a Just Future
One of the most recent initiatives in Bhambayi is a large-scale Community Building Workshop designed to empower residents as the heroes of their own stories. Facilitated by social geographer Rama Naidu and inspired by the work of Peter Block, the workshop focuses on two key elements: creating belonging and mobilising active citizenship.
Through small-group discussions, participants identify their strengths and resources, shifting from a mindset of deficit to one of shared responsibility and potential. This process builds social capital and strengthens the community’s ability to drive its own change. “Our hope is to see those who are transformed, empowered to be agents of transformation themselves, igniting ripples of change in the community and wider afield,” says Pearson.
The results of these initiatives are already evident with over 500 materially poor individuals—primarily orphans and vulnerable children who have endured profound trauma—journeying through this transformative process of growing their dignity and agency, emerging as leaders of change within their community. Children are now confidently teaching indigenous games and dance moves to peers from privileged schools, giving handmade gifts to their sponsors, and choosing to help other children who may be struggling with something. Bhambayi youth have also taken bold steps in justice activism, marching against child rape and securing the re-arrest of a rapist previously released on bail.
As one community leader commented: “For too long, Bhambayi has been treated as the rubbish bin of society. But now we have seen ourselves on TV standing up against injustice. We know we can change the world for good.”
Challenging Traditional Giving: A Shift Toward Empowerment
The work of the ReStory Foundation extends beyond Bhambayi, inspiring a broader shift in how human rights and social justice are approached. This month, the organisation facilitated a transformative workshop in Wellington, Western Cape, bringing together clergy, academics, and NGO leaders to rethink the role of charitable giving.
Through story-telling and interactive learning, the workshop explored how charitable giving can be transformed to cultivate dignity and agency rather than dependency. The ReStory Foundation’s HOPE Building model offers a framework to ensure that all are transformed in this process. The HOPE Building model speaks to giving with Honour rather than pity, with a focus on long-term Outcomes rather than short-term handouts, seeing Potential rather than weakness and lack, and Empowering individuals and communities to solve their own problems and be the hero of their story.
“By reframing philanthropy in this way, the goal is not simply to ‘help’ communities but to create environments where they can reclaim their own power,” says Pearson.
An Invitation to Act
Deepening a culture of social justice and human rights is about mending the torn fabric of society—one empowered relationship at a time. It does not begin with politicians or policies but with individuals and communities reshaping the way dignity and justice are understood.
“We invite you to witness this approach in action and be part of reshaping relationships that reflect dignity and true justice. This is not a vision—it is a call to action. Real change begins when we challenge the systems of inequality and choose to build relationships based on honour, mutual respect and empowerment. It starts with you,” concludes Pearson.
