Jacob Moatshe
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Introduction
Jacob Moatshe is more than a name; he’s a legacy intricately woven into the pillars of social justice, community empowerment, and unwavering perseverance. Starting his impactful journey in the modest township of Oukasie, South Africa, Moatshe has magnified his outreach to influence an incredible 2.5 million lives. Committed to recalibrating public policy in critical areas like health, education, and housing, he is a visionary beacon of transformation and progress.
Early Years & The Struggle of Oukasie
Jacob’s life mission crystallized amidst the struggle to preserve the Oukasie township, situated adjacent to the town of Brits. With unwavering support from the Legal Resource Centre since 1984 and the added momentum from the Young Christian Workers Movement in 1984, his community resisted forced removals. Their fight is chronicled in “The Bonds of Justice: The Struggle of Oukasie” by Prof. Kally Forrest. Forrest also featured Jacob in her subsequent book, “The Metal That Never Bends.”
The Oukasie Trust & Madibeng Centre for Research
In 1992, the establishment of the Oukasie Trust marked a pivotal moment for community development in the Oukasie Township. Jacob, serving as the first CEO, played a crucial role in facilitating the allocation of title deeds, making Oukasie one of the initial communities to attain this level of ownership. Moreover, the Trust established key collaborations with international organisations such as Doctors Without Borders, focusing on the creation of integrated health systems.
This collaboration served as the foundation for the Madibeng Centre for Research (MCR). Notably, the formation of MCR involved a significant academic partnership with Prof Jannie Hugo, who was then affiliated with The Medical University of South Africa, also known as MEDUNSA. This strategic alliance between community-driven objectives and academic research has been instrumental in fostering sustained development.
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Layering Civil Society
Jacob brings a fresh, strategic lens to community development, focusing on systemic evolution. Through alliances with a range of stakeholders, such as academic institutions and economic groups like the Greater Brits Investment Group, he has introduced pivotal changes that address apartheid legacies, corruption, and resource scarcity.
This collaboration served as the foundation for the Madibeng Centre for Research (MCR). Notably, the formation of MCR involved a significant academic partnership with Prof Jannie Hugo, who was then affiliated with The Medical University of South Africa, also known as MEDUNSA. This strategic alliance between community-driven objectives and academic research has been instrumental in fostering sustained development.
Navigating Difficult Terrains
Guiding Oukasie through social and economic challenges, Jacob established broad civic associations based on mutual respect and common goals, effectively sidelining divisive political entities.
A Legacy Built on Human Rights and Community Service
Trained at Hebron College of Education, Jacob is not just a teacher but a human rights activist. A legal challenge to the minister of law and order in 1986 set him on a lifelong quest for justice. In this mission, he worked with Arthur Chaskalson as a senior counsel.
Accolades and Recognition
Among his many honours are a World Fellowship and lifetime membership with Ashoka, an Association of Global Changemakers. Selected through a convocation of businesses and universities in South Africa and the USA, these accolades speak volumes about his contributions to social justice and community betterment.
Media Appearances and Collaborations
Jacob’s influence reaches beyond academia and local communities. He featured in Richard Stengel’s book “January Sun,” even staying with Stengel for two years while the book was being written. Furthermore, he participated in an IPM radio interview along with Heetan Kalan of Greenpeace and was also interviewed by the BBC.
The Madibeng Centre for Research Initiative
Jacob serves as the chairperson of the Madibeng Centre for Research, established in 2001. The initiative, now boasting 61 staff members, is focused on health awareness, specifically around HIV, TB and substance use.
Personal Milestones
Jacob had the honour of hosting Nelson Mandela in Oukasie in 1992. He also made headlines in June 2022 for challenging Tiger Brands following his mother’s death due to listeriosis.
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Vision for the Future
Jacob envisions the Madibeng Centre for Research evolving into a global model for community empowerment. His philosophy is encapsulated in the saying “teaching people to catch fish,” symbolising his focus on long-term enablement over short-term aid.
Future Directions
Looking forward, Jacob aims to solidify these initiatives for long-term sustainability and to apply his unique methodology to other regions and sectors.
References
– Bonds of Justice
– The Metal That Never Bends
– History of Legal Resource Centre Oukasie
– January Sun by Richard Stengel
– IPM Radio Interview
– Ashoka – Lifetime Fellow
– Platinum Development Trust
– Madibeng Website
– International Young Christian Workers Movement
Jacob Moatshe’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and an unyielding commitment to social justice and community upliftment, aligning perfectly with the mission of the Madibeng Centre for Research.