SINAZO PETER, 25

EASTERN Cape-born filmmaker and activist Sinazo Peter is known for speaking hard truths and backing up her words with action.

The 25-year-old recently graduated from the Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking and is expanding her Best Dads Movement, which seeks to create dialogue to influence young men to become good fathers to their children and good partners and spouses.

It also tackles the issue of absent fathers.

Toda, the Best Dad’s Movement is hosting two public events against women and child abuse in Nyanga and Gugulethu .

“I am driven by an interest to see a world where children live and grow loved and free from the evils of poverty, crime and violence,” she said.

Youth Day , for her, means commemorating the struggle for a better education.

“I don’t feel like we are yet free to the level of our needs as black people. At this moment I do not like anything about this country. I am angry and emotional about the system, violence and our political leaders.”

She still has hopes for a brighter future for all, and believes this will come about with the youth at the helm.

“Young people need to be given an opportunity to be in high positions. It doesn’t make sense to be led by people who do not understand the frustrations of people on the ground. All they care about is themselves and their families.”

Part of Peter’s work includes travelling to other countries where she speaks about the challenges facing the communities in which she works, including HIV, violence and community development.

In March, she was part of the Resilient Cities initiative in Bellagio, Italy, where she shared her experiences as a young leader involved in community development work in South Africa.