MOTHEO BRODIE
Motheo Brodie is a literal example of a ‘freedom baby’ born in 1994, just as South Africa was birthing its new democracy where all citizens were recognised and equal. He is 27 years old and comes from Randfontein in Gauteng.
Brodie was the former deputy Student Representative Council president at Wits University and one of the leaders of the 2015 Fees Must Fall (#FMF) movement that demanded free quality education for all.
“Being a part of the Fees Must Fall movement came at great personal sacrifice, not only in terms of our academics but also mental health,” recalls Brodie.
He did, however, manage to complete his LLB degree and joined education and health rights non-governmental organisation, SECTION27, in 2017 as a legal researcher in the Education Rights Programme. Brodie is passionate about the realisation of the right to education and thoughtful in his engagements on what the constitution mandates when it comes to realising this right.
Speaking glowingly of Brodie, SECTION27’s head of education Faranaaz Veriava said: “When I interviewed him for his position, I was struck by his quiet confidence and humility. I asked him who his favourite leader was and he replied that it was Comrade Oliver Tambo. Since then I often think of him as emulating that leadership style and confidence of this great leader.
“Motheo brings his activism to his job, showing empathy to all our clients. He understands social justice and often highlights the issues SECTION27 should be taking up. I am also impressed by his ever-evolving legal skills. Motheo is a true public-interest lawyer”
Brodie credits Tambo as the inspiration behind his activism and dedication to the pursuit of active citizenship and social justice in South Africa. “What I appreciate about Oliver Tambo is that his leadership espoused diplomacy, feminism, consultation; he was also a kind leader.”
Speaking of the change he would like to be part of effecting in the country, Brodie said he would like to work towards building a South Africa outside of just the political realm. He said the work he does at SECTION27 as part of civil society contributes to this vision in that it centres the Constitution as a bedrock on which the country is to realise the ideals of democracy promised 27 years ago.
Looking to the future, Brodie says he is working towards being an established public-interest and activist lawyer in service of South Africans.
He understands
social justice and often highlights
the issues SECTION27 should
be taking up