LIMPOPO – Rifumo Mathebula, programme director of Wild Shots Outreach (WSO), has been selected as one of the Obama Foundation’s 2026 African Leaders, recognising his leadership and commitment to empowering young Africans through conservation, photography and visual storytelling.

Mathebula, 29, grew up in a rural community bordering the Kruger National Park, where he spent much of his childhood herding livestock and often missing school.

Despite living on the doorstep of one of Africa’s most iconic protected areas, he had never experienced its wildlife firsthand.

A life-changing introduction to photography

His life changed when he joined Wild Shots Outreach, a South African non-profit organisation founded in 2015 to connect young people from disadvantaged communities with wildlife and conservation through photography.

Through photography workshops, conservation education, mentorship and practical skills development, the organisation helps young people build confidence while exploring opportunities in the wildlife, tourism and creative industries.

For Mathebula, his first experience of wildlife sparked a passion that would ultimately shape his career.

“Photography gave me a voice, conservation gave me purpose,” he said.

Leading programmes across the continent

Today, as WSO’s programme director, Mathebula leads programmes that have helped thousands of young people connect with wildlife, develop practical skills and discover new possibilities for their futures.

His work has also extended beyond South Africa, with his involvement in WSO programmes and partnerships in Botswana and Namibia, while championing the role of young Africans in conservation.

Joining the Obama Foundation network

His selection for the Obama Foundation’s 2026-27 African Leaders cohort will see him join a network of emerging leaders from across the continent.

The programme provides leadership development, networking and opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening the participants’ impact in their communities and beyond.

“I am overwhelmed to receive this honour. It shows that where you come from does not define where you can go,” Mathebula said.

“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.”

He said his vision was to see young people living alongside national parks become leaders in protecting Africa’s wildlife.

An internationally recognised leader

WSO founder Mike Kendrick said Mathebula’s recognition demonstrated the impact of providing young people with opportunities and encouragement.

“Watching Rifumo grow from one of our first students into an internationally recognised leader has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Kendrick said.

He added that Mathebula’s selection was a recognition of his leadership and determination, as well as the value of investing in young people.

More than 2 000 young people reached

Since its establishment, WSO says it has enabled more than 2,000 young people to experience wildlife for the first time while developing photographic, digital and employment skills.