Rifumo Mathebula, Programme Director at Wild Shots Outreach, has been selected as one of the Obama Foundation’s 2026 African Leaders, recognising his work using photography and conservation to create opportunities for young people living alongside protected areas.
The programme brings together emerging leaders from across Africa who are driving positive change in their communities. Selected participants receive leadership development training and join a continental network of changemakers.
For Mathebula, the recognition marks a remarkable journey that began close to home. Growing up in a rural community bordering Kruger National Park, he spent much of his childhood herding livestock and frequently missing school. His first meaningful encounter with wildlife came through Wild Shots Outreach.
That experience changed his outlook. Photography introduced him to the natural world while giving him confidence, purpose and a means of expression. Today, he leads programmes that have connected thousands of young people with nature while helping them develop skills and explore opportunities in conservation.
“I am overwhelmed to receive this honour,” says Mathebula. “It shows that where you come from does not define where you can go. I hope my journey encourages other young people to dare to dream. Photography gave me a voice, conservation gave me purpose, and now I want to help other young Africans discover that same passion and belief in themselves. My vision is to build a future where young people living alongside our National Parks see themselves as leaders in protecting Africa’s wildlife.”
Wild Shots Outreach founder Mike Kendrick says Mathebula’s selection is recognition not only of his individual achievements but also of the organisation’s approach to conservation.
“Watching Rifumo grow from one of our first students into an internationally recognised leader has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” says Kendrick. “His selection by the Obama Foundation validates his remarkable leadership and the impact that Wild Shots Outreach is having in empowering young Africans to become the conservation leaders of tomorrow.”
For an organisation built around connecting young people with wildlife through photography, Mathebula’s story offers a particularly tangible example of how that connection can develop into something far bigger.
