How a Camera Changed a Young South African’s Life Forever – Named Obama Foundation African Leader!

Photo Credit: Wild Shots Outreach

Once a young boy who grew up herding livestock and often missing school, Rifumo Mathebula’s life changed in the most remarkable way when he was introduced to Wild Shots Outreach, where he is now a visionary leader empowering the next generation to capture and protect their own heritage.

Kruger, South Africa (11 September 2026) – Raised in a rural community bordering Kruger National Park, most of Rifumo Mathebula’s youth was spent herding livestock, which often meant missing school. Despite living right alongside one of Africa’s greatest wildlife treasures, he had never experienced it first-hand.

That changed when he joined Wild Shots Outreach and picked up a camera for the first time. The organisation engages young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in conservation through wildlife photography. Rifumo’s very first wildlife encounter sparked a deep passion for photography and nature, completely altering the course of his life.

Today, at 29, Rifumo serves as the Programme Director of Wild Shots Outreach. In this role, he helps other young South Africans connect with nature, build confidence, and unlock new opportunities through the lens – just as he was guided as a young herd boy.

And now his own inspiring journey has reached another milestone: Rifumo has been selected as one of the Obama Foundation’s 2026 African Leaders!

The Obama Foundation’s prestigious programme identifies exceptional leaders from across Africa who are driving innovative, positive change in their communities and beyond.

From the bushveld to the global stage, Rifumo has become a brilliant example of what can happen when young people are given access, opportunity and someone who believes in their potential.

For everyone at Wild Shots Outreach, this recognition is especially meaningful because Rifumo’s journey began with them.

Reflecting on how his journey has beautifully taken shape, Rifumo says it just goes to show 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.”

As part of the Obama Foundation’s 2026 African Leaders, Rifumo will join an inspiring network of emerging leaders, receiving world-class leadership development training while collaborating with changemakers from across the continent.